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bones4thecats · 4 months ago

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It's okay can I please ask for riddle Floyd and Jade with kianna komori

I don't know what to really put in this request so the rest is up to you

Kianna Komori! S/O Having Flashbacks

Characters: Riddle Rosehearts, Floyd Leech, and Jade Leech Requester: @nunezs-stuff A/N: It's so good to hear from you again Nunez! I haven't been using my messaging tool all that much except clearing up some requests for other people. I may message you later when this gets posted. Anyways! If you guys are confused about who Kianna Komori is, just go check out Nunez's posts, she is an OC of theirs so! Now, enjoy <3 ⚠️ Spoilers/Trigger Warnings for: Mentions of attempted assault, Laito Sakamaki is his own warning, attempted physical harm, and mentioned punishment (if you know, you know) ⚠️

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Riddle Rosehearts ════════════════════════╝

❤️ You were always so quiet, and it's not that Riddle hated that about you! Rather, he liked that. This guy just needs some silence after a long day dealing with Ace and Deuce

❤️ But sometimes your silence made him weary. Sometimes you would be drinking some tea and then stare at the drink with a blank and empty stare, which made the Housewarden nervous before saying your name to snap you out of your daze

"Y/N? Are you alright?" Riddle asked, lightly reaching over and shaking your arm to usher you back to reality.

"Huh- oh, yeah I'm fine." You said, slightly shaking as you laid the cup down and excused yourself, saying you needed to go to the bathroom.

❤️ Over time, this began to become more frequent, and it was starting to make your boyfriend more worried for you as said time passed by

❤️ One day, he had been yelling at a horrible student, one who had tried to assault you one day, and while he yelled at him, he noticed that you had ran off

❤️ Looking into the student's eyes and pointing to his head, he yelled his unique spell before going off to find you

❤️ As he walked around Heartslabyul, Riddle had noticed that Yuu, Ace, Deuce, Cater, Grim, and Trey all were standing outside of the rose maze, a look of concern all present on their faces

"Have any of you seen Y/N?" He asked.

"They went in the maze. I'm pretty sure they were crying. Riddle, what happened?" Trey answered and asked.

"You'll learn later. Thank you by the way."

❤️ Changing from his quick walk to a direct sprint, Riddle began to look around for you, keeping his eyes open. It was known that many could get lost in this maze, but you knew it like the back of your hand. But still, you were crying! Even the smartest people could lose their sense of memory when overwhelmed with emotions

"Y/N! Where are you?" Riddle yelled.

❤️ Hearing sniffs and sobs, the Heartslabyul Housewarden began to carefully walk in the direction of the sound before stopping. You were sitting down, curled up in a ball while you cried, nails digging into your sleeves in an attempt to stay grounded

"...Y/N?"

"Please... don't let him do it again... Yui... please..."

❤️ Yui? Wasn't that the name of your sister that you mentioned from time to time?

"Rose-Petal, are you alright? Did that wretch do anything else?" He asked, attempting to wrap his arm around you without scaring you.

❤️ He's read about assault -even just attempted- victims fearing being touched for a while. So he understood that you may not want to be touched, but he was surprised when you lunged and wrapped your arms around him, crying your eyes out as you rambled a guy's name

"Don't let Laito near me again... please Riddle!"

❤️ Laito? The vampire brother... oh shit

❤️ Despite his better judgement, Riddle closed his eyes and held you, laying on the ground as you cried into his chest. He could care less about the fabric right now, you were what was most important

"Don't worry. He won't be coming by any time soon..."

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Floyd Leech ════════════════════════════╝

🎭 This guy was beyond emotionally unstable, but normally he would tone that down when you came around. And while it was still prominent, it wasn't as bad

🎭 Floyd is also a very possessive person, not liking many others being around his S/O. He just doesn't like it when someone tries to, in his words, 'take' what is his

🎭 One random afternoon, Floyd had decided to search you out after club meetings were over. And despite the fact he was sweaty, he just wanted to find you and cuddle with you in his dorm room

"Y/N~ Where are ya' at?" He sang, walking through the halls nearby your club, Film Research Club, and got more and more upset as he couldn't find you.

🎭 As his negative emotions began to grow, he heard a sound of another angry male coming from a couple halls down. And, in true Floyd fashion, he stalked towards the noise to see what was going on

🎭 And what he saw did not make him any happier

"Why you insolent human! How dare you try harming me! You'll pay for such an attempt!" The black-haired man yelled, raising his hand to strike you down.

🎭 But the thing was, the pain never came. And as you slowly opened your eyes, you saw Floyd standing there, looking down at the Octavinelle first year with a dead-cold expression

"I recommend you start running, because if I catch you... you'll be stuck in a full-body cast the rest of your life."

🎭 As the other guy shivered and ran away in fear, Floyd calmed down in an instant before turning around and looking down at you. But instead of seeing his normally calm and composed S/O, he saw a fearful and appearing traumatized you

"Y/N? Are you good?" He asked, kneeling down to look at you.

🎭 You shivered in fear as you remembered the red-haired vampire, how he would be so self-involved that if you made one mistake, you would be punished. And normally the punishment would leave you more mentally scared than physically

🎭 Floyd noticed how you wouldn't snap out of it, so he pulled out his phone and hit dial on Azul's icon in his phone app, telling him what was going on with you

"Sounds like they're scared beyond recognition. Floyd, listen carefully," Azul began, "Take them to the nurse's ward and have them stay there for the night. They most likely need some time to recuperate. Now, I gotta go, Jade's calling."

🎭 Your boyfriend stood and picked you up gently, and seeing how you didn't flinch but rather grip onto him tightly with your fists balling up his hoodie -since he couldn't bother changing back into his uniform after practice- and leaned onto him, tears falling from your eyes despite your blank expression

"Don't worry, Y/N... you'll be alright. Promise."

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Jade Leech ════════════════════════════╝

🍄 Jade knew there was something off with you when you came back from a meeting with Yuu and the first years, the thing is, he didn't know what the thing was

🍄 But, he was going to find out, even if you didn't want him too -this is Jade Leech we're talking about

🍄 The sound of you knocking on his door made Jade look up from his terrarium and call for you to come inside, you then burst into the room and slam it shut, locking it behind you as he looked with a surprised face

"Y/N, my love, are you okay?"

"He-he's coming for me. He wanted to punish me... just like Reiji... no-no-no... he cannot be back as him..." You mumbled, a layer of sweat donning your head.

"Reiji? What are you going on about?" He asked.

🍄 You kept backing up from the door until a courteous knock came along, making you jump and hide table, making your boyfriend cock an eyebrow confusingly before standing and going to open his dorm's door

🍄 Jade looked down to see a third year standing there, his well-kept black and slightly-grey hair being the first thing that caught the eel's eyes

"What is it you need?"

"Apologies for disturbing you, Vice-Housewarden. But, I noticed that the human, Y/N Komori had come running in here and I am in need of their assistance." The older male answered.

"Assistance with what? Last I heard they had no upcoming projects, nonetheless one with a third year. Would you mind explaining what you need them for?" Jade narrowed his eyes creepily as the other Octavinelle student held his ground.

"I have been struggling with finding a special type of flower that is needed in a potion for class, and they did say I could go with them to find it in the gardens. Now, Y/N-"

"I think not." Jade said.

🍄 Holding his hand on the opposite side of his door, Jade grimaced and picked the flower he knew was necessary for a project coming up, you had mentioned the third-year before, so it was obvious he knew what plant was needed

"I suppose this, the Metus Conditor native to the Shaftlands, is what you're in need of?" He quizzed, holding it within grasp of the now ticked-off male.

"Yes. Thank you, Vice-Housewarden Leech." He answered, a thin layer of hostility and anger being laced in his tone as he spoke.

"It is of no problem. Now, have a good rest of your day."

🍄 Closing the door as the guy walked away, Jade looked back at you as he shivered and held your face in your knees and he sighed, a tint of pity being in his voice

🍄 Instead of speaking, Jade merely walked to his closet, pulling out an old blanket his mother had given him when he was younger. He unfolded the crocheted fabric and walked back up to you, motioning you out with one hand

🍄 As you slowly -since you were still shaken up- crawled out, your boyfriend pulled his bed sheets back and took your hand, helping your shivering form lay down in the bed before covering you in his sheets and blanket

🍄 Leaning down and kissing your forehead in an attempt to calm you down slightly, Jade swore he would find out why that guy really wanted you. No third-year just chases a first-year down for a sad reason as finding a flower which was quite common in the garden and not hard to find

"Get some rest, love. You need it."

(Metus Conditor - latin for Fear Maker)

#Twisted Wonderland #TWST #Heartslabyul #Octavinelle #Twisted Wonderland x Reader #TWST x Reader #Heartslabyul x Reader #Octavinelle x Reader #S/O! Reader #GN! Reader #F! Reader #Kianna Komori #OC! Reader #Riddle Rosehearts #Riddle Rosehearts x Reader #Floyd Leech #Floyd Leech x Reader #Jade Leech #Jade Leech x Reader

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roguishcat · 8 months ago

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BG3 Fanfiction Masterlist

(Header and dividers by @saradika)

Mostly Astarion x female Tav or Astarion x my OC, although other characters do make appearances.

Read on AO3

Series

Conversations with a vampire

Summary: Astarion's eyes shot open and he scowled at the child crouched near him. This had to a trick. Because there was no way that a child dressed like a noble would be in a back alley behind the Flophouse at this time at night offering him salvation in the form of a potion of superior healing.

Humor/Friendship/Angst

Rating: Teen. Mild language, mentions of abuse in later chapters, canon compliant violence.

Setting: Set before the events of the game.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Art - chapter 5

Chasing perfection

Chasing perfection is not only impractical but mostly unattainable. Instead of boosting our achievements, it shrinks them. Why? Because when we aim too high, "failure" becomes the norm, chipping away at our self-confidence bit by bit. But then again, maybe perfection is overrated.

Humor/Angst/Romance

Rating: Mature. Mentions of abuse, violence, mature themes. Chapters with smut will be marked red.

Pairing: Astarion/(Fem)Tav

Setting: Act 1 and Act 2

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

One-shots

Clumsy - Pairing:Astarion x female Tav. Set in Act I, before Astarion confesses to being a vampire. Tav has always been a little clumsy, but it was nothing too inconvenient until Astarion came along. Since then, whenever Tav’s blood would spill, he would be there.

Part of his plan - Pairing: Astarion x female Tav. Set in Act II, just after the tiefling party. Astarion was sure that being indispensable to Tav was the best way to secure his place by her side. And this is where his sewing skills would come in handy.

A welcome distraction - Pairing:Astarion x female Tav. Set in Act II. Astarion was not nice. Nothing about him was even remotely nice. Such a bland, plain word that carried little to no meaning. But perhaps, given the right incentive, he could be persuaded to be nice to the one person who he felt deserved it most.

Honeycomb - Pairing:Astarion x female Tav. Set in the beggining of Act II. Astarion had a brilliant, fool-proof plan. And nothing, especially not a piece of honeycomb, would get in the way.

Yours, if you'll have me - Pairing: Astarion x female Tav. Set in Act II. Astarion found the letter on the ground between his tent and Gale’s earlier this morning. Not thinking much of it, Astarion swiped it, hoping to get a piece of juicy gossip. Gale having a secret admirer, how fun! He didn’t realise that the contents were meant for him. And from their leader, no less!

Upon reflection, I find you perfect - Pairing: Astarion x female Reader. Set post-game. You find a way for Astarion to see his reflection for the first time in over 200 years.

A sound judgement - Pairing: Astarion x female Reader. Magistrate Astarion AU (Elf Astarion, No Cazador). Astarion was bored and you were the only acceptable source of entertainment. Luckily for Astarion he was, in fact, the law and you had no choice but to obey him.

Two-shots

Brunch - Pairing:Astarion x female Tav. AU two-shot (no Cazador, elf Astarion). Another, better emotionally equipped male would probably just ask Tav out. Like on an actual proper date at a nice venue rather than sticking to their monthly meeting for brunch as a pathetic excuse for spending time with her. But that was the crux of the problem. Astarion had absolutely zero clue as to how to be in a relationship.

Batstarion Week 2024

My headcanon is that spawn Astarion can turn into an adorable bat. Here are some drabbles exploring your and Astarion's life post-game for Batstarion Week 2024.

Batstarion Week 2024 - Day 1 - Falling asleep in unusual places

Batstarion Week 2024 -Day 2 - Cuteness aggression

Batstarion Week 2024 - Day 3 - High fashion

Batstarion Week 2024 - Day 4 - Cameo with another character

Batstarion Week 2024 - Day 5 - Feeding your Batstarion

Batstarion Week 2024 - Day 6 - Bat cuddles

Batstarion Week 2024 - Day 7 - Any prompt (Happily Ever After)

Augustarion 2024

Interconnected drabbles and one-shots celebrating our favourite rogue. Mostly reader (You) x Astarion.

Augustarion Day 1 – Strawberries 🍓 In which Astarion didn’t steal these for you, he just wanted a taste.

Augustarion Day 2 – Pool Party 🌊 In which Astarion shows you exactly why you shouldn't be insecure.

Augustarion Day 3 - Apron 18+ MNDI In which Astarion takes care of you. And I mean sexually.

Augustarion Day 4 - Mythologies In which your love isn't a cautionary tale.

Augustarion Day 6 - Cream In which Astarion complains that you have a hero complex.

Augustarion Day 7 - Underwear In which Astarion has been embroidering cheeky messages on your underwear in elvish.

Augustarion Day 14 - Protective In which Astarion is reminded that he is not alone.

Augustarion Day 15 - Shirt that goes hard In which a spell gone awry turns Astarion's shirt into an unusual, yet formidable weapon.

Augustarion Day 28 - DILF 18+ MNDI In which you won a bet and were granted a once in a lifetime opportunity - to see into your future.

💖 Tag list 💖:

@ninty900, @ayselluna, @dajeong, @ravenswritingroom,

@misscrissfemmefatale,

@clazberryk, @anukulee,

@preciouslittlebhaalbae,

@sh3rl0ck, @mellowenthusiast2299,

@fleetstreet78, @starlight-rogue,

@obsessedwhyyes, @arzen9

#astarion #astarion tav fanfiction #baldurs gate 3 #bg3 #bg3 tav #writers #fanfiction #fanfic #baldurs gate astarion #roguish cat

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bbybluemochi · 1 year ago

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bbybluemochi's F.A.Q. ✧･ﾟ

Hi! Arun here! I thought that instead of answering your submissions one by one I’d gather all the frequently asked questions and answer them in a single post (this is a mix of art/OC/commissions related q's)!

Please note that I do read all your messages and I’m so grateful for every one of them!!!! I keep all your words really close to my heart, thank you for liking my art and loving my Ocs as much as I do, it means the world to me <3

What’s the name of your OCs?

They’re called Cotton (the blonde one) and Puppy (the dark haired one). The original idea for them was to make some silly wolf/bunny OCs (that’s why Cotton is called like that, it was supposed to be a joke about her tail…) but somewhere along the way they took over and became something completely different!

Is there a webcomic for your OCs?

Not currently! I don’t have the time or the skills (for now) but I’d love to give it a try in the future!

I was wondering if you mind people using your OC art as character art/inspiration for DnD?Just games with friends that are for fun, nothing for commercial.

Go ahead! I find that really flattering.

Just out of curiosity, are any of your OCs bisexual?

Both Cotton and Puppy are lesbians. That’s what I feel comfortable drawing since I’m a lesbian myself. If I ever do draw a bisexual OC I’ll make sure to mention it! <3

I think you said Cotton was a dominatrix in a previous ask, but is Puppy on the opposite side of the spectrum or is she just glad to be there whichever way?

Puppy is very much a sub. They both switch (Puppy as a service top and bottom and Cotton as a top and power bottom), but the dom/sub dynamic never changes. Also I wanted to mention that these dynamics do not transcend outside of the bedroom that much, there’s more to them than their kinks but I do love to draw them deep in their submissive/dominant headspaces.

Are one of the lesbian fairytale characters trans?

I didn’t design either of them with that in mind, but I’m super OK with people headcanoning them as trans!

May I use your art as a header/icon?

Of course! Remember to credit me tho~

Do you allow people to use your art freely?

I don’t allow reposts of my work (not that it matters that much, since almost all my art has been already reposted a million times ))): but I’d really appreciate it if you just shared my posts instead of reposting my art). As for phone backgrounds/wallpapers or stuff like that, yeah!

Do you have an instagram account or other social media, I would love to follow you there.

My main platform is twitter (same @), I post all my drawings there and I’m usually more active over there. Tumblr is kind of like an archive. I really like the community here but I find it easier to reply/interact with people on twitter! As for instagram, I do have an old art account (same @, again) but I haven’t posted in so long. I may start posting there soon if a certain rich guy decides to keep destroying the bird app tho.

I’ve always thought about this… how do you think it’d look if the aesthetics/styles [of your OCs] were reversed?

I’ll have to explore that in a future drawing, I haven’t thought much about it!

Do you write fics for your characters or has anyone else written fics about them?

Not yet! A couple of my friends have offered, tho! I usually like to stick to drawing because that’s what I do best, I don’t wanna subject anyone to my writing (it’s not very good,,,,). When I share some of my Ocs stories, I think it will be in comic format.

What's the story behind your OCs?

There are several, actually!! I like to put my OCs in different universes. As for now, there’s the Fairytale AU, the modern setting AU (this is the original one), and now the Werewolf/Vampire AU. I also did a drawing of them as spiderwoman and black cat but I don’t think that AU is gonna make a comeback for a while. I’m also planning a scifi AU but I’m not sure I’d be able to pull off that aesthetic with my current art style so I’m still working on it.

The Fairytale AU is the one I’m working on most of the time. I wanna release a small artbook with their story + illustrations. That was my main goal for 2023 but life got in the way, so maybe,,, 2024??? *crosses fingers*

Is your shop down? It’s saying that it’s not available.

I open my shop for 1-2 weeks every now and then, that’s why it’s closed most of the time! My plan is to open the store again in september, if i manage to finish all the merch in time! I’ll announce it on my twitter and tumblr account when I do.

Would you ever share a tutorial on how you make your art?

Yes, of course! I’m not very good at explaining my drawing process but If it helps anyone I’d love to! Just let me know what part of the drawing process you’d like me to focus on, because If i try to make a full illustration tutorial it’s gonna be too long/difficult to follow.

May I ask what brush do you use for your lineart?

I use a different brush almost every time I start an illustration, I’m not very consistent when it comes to that (I think it’s mainly because I haven’t found the perfect brush yet!). But let me know what illustration you’re curious about and I’ll try to remember which one I used!

Do you come up with poses off the top of your head or do you use some type of reference? I always struggle with them.

It depends on what I’m drawing! Some of my drawings are reinterpretations of paintings (I’m obsessed with pre-raphaelite painters and arthurian legend paintings in general), so in those cases I try to adapt the poses to my art style. Even If I’m trying to recreate an already existing painting I end up changing the poses/proportions a lot along the way to fit my personal taste/art style.

Other times, I just sketch from imagination (this is more entertaining, I think, since looking at references can make the drawing process a bit tedious). If I find it hard to draw a certain pose/part of the body I will look up references on printerest, no shame in using pictures! If I still can’t find the pose I need I’ll just take a picture of myself (this is like, a last resort for me. I’m too lazy for this).

My personal advice would be to use references for the pose and then tweaking the pose and trying to make it more personal

I love the way the armor was designed and rendered! Can you share some tips on designing armor?

Drawing armor is something I still struggle with most of the time. I think I’ve learned a lot in the past year (please don’t look at my armor drawings from 2022,,,,, sigh) but I still struggle to draw certain poses/angles. My advice is: don’t hesitate to draw non-functional armor!!! There’s always gonna be someone like “actually, that armour makes no sense :)” well !!!! it looks cool as hell so who caresssss !!!!!

I think it’s more important for you to get comfortable drawing armor before you start beating yourself up for not drawing accurate ones. It takes a lot of practice (I’m still learning!!!), especially if you’re trying to draw historically accurate ones, so start by having fun, and then work your way up from there.

Most of the tips I can think about are really hard to explain without a visual example, so let me know if that’d be a tutorial you would be interested in and I’ll try to make one (I’m cringing a little just saying this bc I swear, my armor skills are so bad compared to some amazing artists out there………..).

Do you allow cosplays your OCs?

YES…. YES PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM BEGGING YOUUU ILL LOVE YOU FOREVER !!!!!! *rattles my cage*

Do you allow fanart of your OCs?

Again,,, PLEASEEEEEEEEE !!! Just tag me so I don’t miss it and remember to give me credits if you do !!!!!!!!!!! :D

I was wondering if you use procreate , clip studio, or similar apps?

A mix of both. I used to draw on procreate only until I got a tablet and now I’m a clip studio user (csp sponsor me please), and now that’s all I use. I’m so used to drawing on PC now that I don’t think I’d be able to go back to procreate, but I still like that app a lot! All my drawings (even the ones I do on csp) always get retouched on procreate because I like some of the effects (*dreamy sigh* chromatic aberration filter,,, love u).

I wanted to know if the marks Cotton has on her waist are tattoos or like a scar?

Those are tats! Puppy is a tattoo artist ~~~ (I’m actually not sure if i’ll keep the waist tats on Cotton or if I’ll end up redesigning them,,,)

I was wondering if you take commissions?

Not right now. I also don’t have any plans of opening commissions any time soon! When I do, I’ll post a google forms on twitter and here on tumblr with the prices and type of comms I do. But there’s nothing scheduled.

Even tho I'm not doing commissions atm, I’m currently looking for illustration jobs (specially book covers), so don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected]

That's all for now, thank you for reading!! I think I covered most of the questions, I'll make another q&a post in the future! Bye~~

#frequently asked questions #faq #ask

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pengweng-quack · 8 months ago

Text

Bloodbound

Carlisle Cullen x Human!OC

Summary: Place Carlisle in the Edward situation of falling in love with a human, and see what happens

Chapter 5/?

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8

Notes:

This is on Ao3 under the same title and username if you'd like to read it there (https://archiveofourown.org/works/54527830)

I was on vacation that's why posting was delayed in both here and Ao3 lol

Leave your thoughts (or don't, your choice) in the comments, I enjoy reading through your thoughts :)

Word Count: 2622 words

General warning: I used some religious references in this story so read with caution if you're not so keen into reading that

TW for this chapter: thoughts about insecurities

PM or Comment to be added on the taglist for this one!

Masterlist

“What do you mean?” Carlisle asked, threading carefully on what will happen next

“You’re not human.” Celine concluded with Carlisle not answering her question immediately “What are you?”

“My love…” Carlisle started, looking at her, but he was met with no kind of adoration in her eyes anymore “Yes, I am not human. But I do not intend on harming you.”

“I know.” Celine said, the glint of calmness was now back in her eyes “I just need to know what you are. For my peace of mind, I guess.”

“You’ll either laugh or get extremely concerned if I tell you what I actually am.” He whispered lowly, ashamed of himself

“A vampire?” Celine asked him again

“How did you know?” Carlisle asked almost immediately. He looked at Celine, realizing that she didn’t actually know and that it was just a rough guess that he confirmed.

“A vampire? In a hospital?” Celine asked her, her eyebrows furrowed at the irony of it. There were so many questions running in her mind

“I-I have to go.” Carlisle answered, standing up and picking up his clothes, quickly wearing his shirt and rushing out of her house to his car

‘She knows’ Carlisle was panicking as he drove off back to their house. Thoughts swirled chaotically in his mind, making it impossible for him to think straight. He hit his steering wheel in anger before driving back home in silence, his grip on the steering wheel painfully tight

“Celine knows.” Edward announced to everyone, carefully reading Carlisle’s thoughts

“What do you mean, ‘she knows’? We were careful with it.” Rosalie asked her

“We were careful, Carlisle probably wasn’t.” Edward continued in conclusion “I tried telling you that this was the same as with me and Bella before, but no one believed me.”

“Will we have to move?” Renesmee asked

“No, no. Carlisle will decide on that.” Bella assured her “Besides, we can’t move yet, you need to finish your high school.”

“Well, with what’s happening, we might have to.” Rosalie said, sitting down on one of their couches

“I’m sure Carlisle will have an explanation.” Esme said, trying to calm everyone down. She was just as nervous; would they really just leave Celine like that?

“She figured it out on her own.” Edward said, reading into her mind “She’s not mad. Actually, she’s driving to our place now, at an incredibly dangerous but legal speed. Celine wants to chat with Carlisle.”

“Carlisle left her?” Emmett asked “Weren’t they just having sex earlier?”

“Emmett!” Edward yelled, covering Renesmee’s ears as she laughs at their antics

“My question still stands. Weren’t they just doing something earlier?” Emmett said, chuckling as Renesmee lightly slaps Edward’s hand off her, wanting to listen to what was happening

“Yeah, she’s kind of annoyed about that. But she’s more annoyed that Carlisle just ran away.” Edward said, still reading into Celine’s mind

“Couldn’t even wait until she fell asleep.” Rosalie said, playfully rolling her eyes

“So, you’re warming up to her now?” Jasper asked, teasing her lightly

“I mean, you heard Alice.” Rosalie shrugged “One way or another, she’s gonna be a vampire. We only prevented that rogue vampire from doing it early on.”

“You just want her to not jump first into being one of us?” Bella asked her, knowing and understanding what Rosalie now meant when she was still human

“She’s smart, she would think of the consequences first.” Esme said, already having heard stories about Celine from Carlisle “Besides, Carlisle won’t push her into that.”

“Carlisle is—

“I fucked up.” Carlisle announced, rushing in the house. All of them yelled and closed their eyes, having just seen him in his boxers

“Carlisle, go wear something!” Esme scolded, getting Carlisle to rush up to his room and get dressed into something more casual

“He technically told Celine that we’re vampires.” Edward told everyone as he rushes down the stairs

“Did you even see her reaction?” Jasper asked, Carlisle only shook his head no

“Well now you will, because she’s outside the house.” Jasper said, opening the main door of their house, seeing Celine

“You didn’t tell me that your house was very cold.” Celine said as a greeting to everyone, shivering from the coldness

“Come, let’s talk in my office. Then I’ll introduce you to my family.” Carlisle said, walking to her and taking her hand, leading her to his office

“What now?” Celine asks, rubbing her hands together in an attempt to warm her down. Carlisle immediately grabbed the hanged coat in his office and placed it on her shoulder. The sight of her in his clothes warming him up a bit

“I don’t know.” Carlisle muttered lowly “What do you want now?”

“Well,” Celine said, sitting on the table of his office “I’m not scared that you’re a vampire, if you’re worried about that. And I don’t plan to make that this week’s hospital gossip too, if you’re somehow more worried about that.”

“Thank heavens.” Carlisle let out a big sigh

“Why?” Celine asked him “Is it like a vampire law to not let any non-vampires know about your existence?”

“Kind of, it’s tough to explain.” Carlisle answered, moving closer to her. He knows that he won’t do much help with her being cold, he just wanted to be near her

The silence between the two was comforting but nerve-wracking. Carlisle couldn’t figure out what was going on Celine’s mind

‘Probably filled with calling me a monster’ a part of his mind said to him

“I think you owe me the truth.” Celine whispered softly, looking at him with a smile “The whole truth, no more of that weird ex-girlfriend stuff. Because you and I both know that that was a very shit lie.”

“Where do you want to start then?” Carlisle asked, walking and grabbing some chairs for her to sit on

“How old are you?” Celine immediately asked, sitting down on the chair that he offered to her

“You have to be a bit more specific than that, my love.” Carlisle chuckled softly, joining her in sitting down

“All of your ages then.” She told him. Her eyes had this twinkle of curiosity, wanting to know more about him

“Well, I was 23 or so when I was turned into a vampire.” He answered, as Celine furrowed her eyebrows, he took it as a sign to continue “It was the 1600’s, we didn’t have a really good date tracking date by then.”

“You’re roughly 300 years old.” Celine said, a shock on her face

“382 to be exact.” Carlisle revealed, getting him to shy away.

‘Now it looks creepy’ he thought to himself, watching her reactions

“Wow, never thought I’d date that old.” Celine teased him, getting him to let out a sigh of relief

“To be fair, you are already four years older than me in a sense.” He tried to tease her, letting out a small laugh

“I’m four years older than you and 350 years younger than you at the same time. I wish I could say that the math isn’t mathing but it is.” She said, a smile resting on her face.

And Carlisle could only wish that he could freeze the moment between them, take a picture of them and engrave it in his mind, a memory that would remind him of their short-term happiness.

Because who would choose an eternity of being stuck the way you are?

“Esme is 127, Edward and Alice are 121, Rosalie and Emmett are 107, and Jasper is 178 but he’s the last to join us alongside Alice, minus Bella.” Carlisle continued introducing his family

“Bella? As in Bella Swan? As in the chief’s daughter?” Celine asked as ne nodded in response

“She’s with Edward, she’s 35.” Carlisle continued “And the youngest, Renesmee, she’s 16. Edward and Bella’s daughter.”

“So, humans and vampires can procreate too?” Celine asked lowly

“Yeah, but if you think that I’m only pursuing you for that, then you’ve got it all wrong.” He immediately assured her

“Then why pursue me?” Celine asked, looking at him, her eyes begging him for an answer

As Carlisle gazed at Celine, a profound sense of sorrow washed over him. The weight of her pain and self-doubt bore heavily upon his heart, stirring a deep well of empathy within him. He longed to ease her burden, to carry her suffering as his own. Carlisle realized that she always doubted herself underneath the confident aura, thinking that she was worth nothing if she couldn't bear a child.

“Because my heart belongs to you. I belong to you.” Carlisle answered as he stood up, his hands cupping her cheeks and leaving a peck on her forehead

Celine wiped the tears threatening off her face. Never has she felt so loved until now, until with Carlisle. He hugged her, thinking that the tears coming out of her were tears of sadness, of disappointment with herself.

“You’re so kind to me.” Celine mumbled, wrapping her arms around him

They stayed in that moment. Celine has never thought to feel this way so easily about a man, it’s like she was drawn to him. It was as though the universe had conspired to craft their love story, aligning the stars to guide them together.

He was made for her.

“Are you two good now?” A brown-haired woman asked, checking in the office. She was jaw-droppingly gorgeous, getting Celine to subtly feel inferior to her

‘Why did Carlisle not end up with her?’ She questioned to herself

“We are, Esme. Just needed to collect ourselves.” Carlisle answered to her, wiping off the tear stains before leaving small kisses on the apples of her cheek

“Good, your kids are dying to meet her.” Esme said, a smile on her face.

She was gorgeous, her brown hair rested nicely on her shoulders, her eyes held the same golden shade that Carlisle had. Esme had this maternal aura around her, subtly informing Celine that the Cullens is in no need of a mother figure to fill in

‘Then what am I here for then?’ Celine questioned to herself, stopping her face from forming a frown

“Well, since you’re here.” Carlisle said, motioning Celine to come closer to him “My love, this is Esme. My sister.”

“Hi, I’m Celine!” Celine greeted her with a smile and a small wave. Carlisle instinctively placed his arms around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. Esme immediately liked her energy.

Celine was a fresh breath on a warm day, the one that feels like you’re being lifted by the wind itself.

“We’ve heard a lot about you.” Esme said, opening the door a bit wider for them to go out of “Come, I’m sure the kids would love to meet you.”

“Rosalie is kind of…iffy with you right now. But she’ll come around.” Carlisle warned as they walked out the room. There were seven looking adults, all looking and watching them as they come down the stairs

“Everyone,” Carlisle said as they get down the last step of the stairs “This is Celine.”

“Hi!” A girl with a pixie cut greeted. Celine couldn’t help but notice how she was towered by everyone else in the room “I’m Alice! I’ve seen this happen.”

“Alice, don’t—

“Oh, it’s alright.” Celine assured to the guy with brown hair, a face that was vaguely familiar to her “After finding out that vampires are real, what more is there to limit the imagination?”

“I’m Bella.” Bella introduced herself “Though I know you already know that, seeing as I remember seeing you grow up.”

‘At least there’s a familiar face’ she thought, letting out a small sigh of relief

“You make it weird saying it like that.” Another guy with brown hair teased Bella. He was really buff, getting Celine to be intimidated “Emmett by the way. This is my wife, Rosalie.”

The woman that Emmett pointed at, Rosalie, only looked at her. A face that Celine can’t seem to figure out what it was saying to her. Rosalie was drop dead gorgeous, any insecurity that she felt earlier to Esme was now tripled in Rosalie’s presence. Her gold hair, which was tied up in a ponytail right now, shone golden.

‘I don’t belong here’ her mind cruelly told her

“Babe, don’t do this now, please?” Emmett said to his wife, rubbing her shoulders to try and calm her down

“It’s fine. Must be unusual having a human be over casually.” Celine assured them again.

‘Who am I to complain about their behavior?’ she thought to herself

“I’m Edward, Bella’s husband.” Edward, the guy that tried to stop Alice earlier, introduced himself “And this is our daughter Renesmee.”

Renesmee waved her hand at Celine cheerfully. Whatever kind of nervousness she got from Rosalie was relieved with Renesmee. She was a walking sunshine.

“I’m Jasper.” A blond guy, Jasper, said with a small wave. He shared the same hair color as Rosalie did, though his was just above his collar “Pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Pleasure to meet you too.” Celine said to everyone

Celine felt awkward with everyone’s eyes on her, getting a feeling that she wouldn’t fit in their perfectly made illusion of a family. It was making Celine feel pity for herself.

“Carlisle, have you told her?” Edward asked quietly

“Tell me what?” She asked instead of Carlisle

“My kids…” Carlisle started slowly “Some of them have special gifts. Edward can telepathically read minds, Alice can see into the future, Jasper can control emotions, Bella can block Edward’s telepathy and basically anything that is of the using of mind, and Renesmee can transmit thoughts to others.”

“So—

“I didn’t intend to, but it was practically just yelling.” Edward confirmed her suspicion, getting Celine to push her lips in a thin line and just nod in response

“I do not plan into turning you into a vampire—

“Thank you.” Celine said, looking at Carlisle “I’d love to do some thinking first before making a final decision.”

“What?” Bella asked, her eyes widened at Celine

“It won’t be an easy transition for me.” Celine answered, looking at Bella “It may have worked out for you, but it wouldn’t immediately work out for me.”

“I would understand if you also would want to go back to how we were.” She continued, now turning her attention to Carlisle “Seeing as I’m technically rejecting you now.”

“Oh no, I don’t see that as a rejection.” Carlisle said, shaking his head no to her “Even if for a short while, I would love to be given a chance to pursue you. To make you feel loved and appreciated.”

‘It will be more than enough for me to carry for eternity’ Carlisle wanted to add. He looked at Edward and slightly shook his head no, asking him to not say what his thoughts wanted to

“Are you sure?” Celine asked him again

“Of course.” Carlisle answered almost immediately, a comforting smile on his face

“Then, I think a second date should be in the talks soon.” Celine said, kissing Carlisle’s cheek before walking to the front door

“It’s been an honor to meet you all.” She said, looking around the family that was watching her “I would assume that it won’t be the last time we’ll see each other.”

Celine walked out and closed the door behind her. The family was listening intently for her car to leave before even thinking of saying their thoughts out loud

“…I think that went well.” Esme said, her hand clasped together and her lips pushed in a thin line “It didn’t, that was shit.” Rosalie said, shaking her head no at Esme “At least she wasn’t jumping headfirst into being a vampire.”

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rielzero · 2 months ago

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Original by for-tymora's blog, altering this slightly and removing some bits to prevent overly spoiling my oc.

30 Questions for Your Tav! [ Ask Meme ]

Your Tav as a Companion

1. What would your Tav’s greetings be (at different levels of approval)?

Negative (<0):

He stares just at you, Clicking his tongue in an annoyed tone.

"Got nobody else?"

"I would prefer if you'd find a better source of entertainment."

Neutral (0 - 19):

"Seems like you've got something to say."

He stares at you, just raising a brow and cocking his head sideways.

“This better be important.”

Medium and up (20+):

"Hmm? Sorry, you caught me off guard."

"Feeling chatty? I don't mind."

"I'm all ears." Gestures to his ears.

When spoken to by someone other than the player character:

"I'd prefer to be in touch with someone better suited for important conversations. No small talk."

Flirting:

Pretends he wasn't intensely eyeballing your back earlier, winks.

"Something wrong, love?"

"Hey, caught you staring.''

"I was hoping you'd talk to me."

"You're looking dreamy today."

"Hello, love."

"..Hmm? Hmm.." He seems happy.

"I was wondering when you'd need me again."

Partnered:

"Hello, partner in crime." Mischief on his face.

"Say what you need, I'm here to listen."

Act 3 Vampire - Partnered:

"You look hungry, or maybe I'm... Heh."

"Ask me anything, anything, anything.."

"I'd kill if it'd make you happy."

"My love, we are so close to victory, I can almost touch it." (To Astarion Origin)

''You're looking splendid and magical today.'' (To Gale Origin)

"Yes, my sun?" (To Astarion Origin)

''Yes, my love?''

Broken up:

He Just looks at you emptily, and disappointed. Dead eyed.

2. Describe their tent setup! What’s on the outside? The inside?

It's the most put-together you've even seen. Stitched to the brim, looks like it can collapse and barely covers the bedroll. Has a bunch of bags surrounding it and crates to support the rest, kind of like a pillow-fort situation.

3. What would their character quest be titled? Why?

I personally haven't decided on this yet. Rat-themed perhaps, or something to do with him looking sickly.

4. What would your Tav’s romance scenes look like? How many would they have?

Probably depends on the Origin character, I can't picture him being romanced by anyone other than Gale or Astarion at this time. There would be romance and bonding scenes.

5. Describe their idle animations!

Cracking neck, cracking bones, stretching uncomfortably.

Pondering, tapping his foot on the ground with arms folded.

Wiping his face and looking at his hand for a moment before wiping it off his pants.

Tightening his arm wraps (would look like he's rubbing his lower arms.)

Casting Shocking Grasp, just to look at the sparks in his hands, then waves it off.

Pulling out his journal and browsing through it or jotting something down.

Sitting down and drawing (Stops upon approach.)

Act 3 idle Animations would be conditional adittions.

Poking his teeth, then stare at his finger..

Observe his wrist scars, turning it around and stroking it.

Scratch his neck scars, stretch.

Looks like he's smelling something, clearly bothered by it.

Pull out a bottle of blood and sip from it excessively.

Sitting down and drawing (doesn't stop when approached.)

6. How would the player go about meeting them in Act 1? What is their introduction?

I've done a post on this before I think, but it would be in the location near the intellect devourers, hunched over and trying to keep himself from hurling.

8. After Act 3, What are they talking about at the reunion party?

Probably about the change of appearance and hairstyle, and how he's doing better than he was after the defeat of the netherbrain. He's still settling down and getting used to things, 6 months wasn't enough.

Back to Basics

9. What’s the significance behind your Tav’s name?

Locke misspells his name, because he came up with it when he was sixteen. In his mind, Loki is written Locke at first because it sounds like ''Lock-i'' to him, he was the lockpicker in a gang of orphans.

10. Does your Tav have a last name? Is there a meaning behind it?

He comes up with it on the spot, it means ''Trick'' and its very much meant to be a trick.

12. Does your Tav have any tattoos or scars? Why?

Locke's facial tattoo is magic ink, its a protective ward of sorts. Won't elaborate. His scars are all from abuse, different people.

13. What is your Tav’s main color palette? Why do they choose those colors?

Has a strong attachment to purple because of his dead childhood friend, who was a purple tiefling.

14. Where are they from? What was home like?

Baldurian sewers. Not much of a home, more like a nightmare.

15. Is your Tav more likely to fight/flight/freeze/fawn?

He fights in most cases.

17. Do they have any enemies outside of the main plot? Any friends?

He has acquaintances, his closest being a fatherly figure, The Undertaker, Jermaine.

Deep Dives

20. What is their relationship to touch? Do they shy away from it? Do they need it to feel present?

Very much touch-starved, but dislikes casual friendly touch because he's afraid of affection at first.

21. Describe a defining moment from their past, which makes them who they are today!

He has CPTSD, it wouldn't be a singularity, though I'd say the moment he became a warlock is pretty big.

22. How is your Tav’s relationship with their family? Their parents?

The woman who raised him thoroughly abused him, so did the other orphans he was raised with. As adults, their relationship is strained and reduced to just being familiar with one another. He doesn't view them as family. He simply can't.

24. What does your Tav consider to be their own biggest character flaw?

He desires to have something of his own, but fails to give it a place. He feels like everything that he does have will never be completely his own, at times. (I'm being vague on purpose.)

25. What is something they would die on a hill over?

Wizards being prone to explosiveness. He will not accept the reality that some wizards never blow themselves up in any capacity. They're all one wrong step away from exploding themselves.

27. What is the worst thing they think they’ve ever done/said to someone they loved?

Say no to his ex-boyfriend.

28. Describe a smell that reminds your Tav of childhood.

..Cooked Dwarf roast.

29. What fears keep them up at night?

Sleeping in the dark.

30. What does your Tav want more than anything?

Power, or to feel like he's worth something.

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maria-ruta · 1 month ago

Note

Im back!!

Here was the link!

https://www.tumblr.com/sadwrncupid/762924626225528832/vtm-oc-ask-game-hello-ive-decided-to-make-a?source=share

3,5,6 and 49!

Thank you very much for sharing(op changed username so the ask game is now here) and for your asks!

Let's all dive into some of the Veronica's backstory!

And thank you for your patience hahaha, here are my answers:

3. Are they more “traditional” or do they break barriers?

no she isnt much of either traditional vampire nor toreador...

she is very humane and she likes people and she goes along with the technology update and people's fashion/habbits changes

she kinda looks pretty much typical for toreador but she isnt as full of herself and high art/high society as you'd expect typical toreador to be...

here i made little chart that i found for her

she actually never was accepted kindly by most of toreador clan in the city, she was embrased in (Chicago), halfly bc her Sire waslone wolf among toreadors, halfly bc she herself didn't fit their standarts and she didn't like their mean attitude

and after that and so on she kind of didn't get to join any other toreador group from other cities too

she has lots of friends and allies from different clans though! lots of gangrels and brujas among them for some reason XD

she also has friends in camarilia and anarchs, been there and there too, kind of playing in both feilds i guess

5. Who is their sire?

William Moore (he/him lesbian) in the past, changed to nowdays Kellen Moore (they/them nonbinary)

they used to be harpy of Chicago, they were looking after masqarade maintenance and getting rid of witnesses etc

you can read more about them if you go through my older posts, tagged as "moore"

6. What was their relationship to their sire? Were they close in any way or mere strangers?

First Veronica didn't like him much bc he dragged her into hell of being vampire, but overtime she grown softer and softer to him

then they became a couple, you could say they were close yeah... 😏

Veronica's humanity went lower from becoming vampire and learning how to hunt and be vampire and such, but over time when she learned that she wants to still know and understand humans well, her humanity went back up

Veronica and William were together for few dacades, untill the incedent around 60s

the incedent was when Veronica charmed some dude to feed on him in his apartment (charming humans for food didn't count as cheating for Veronica and William, as long as it is not long term relationship), and she drank his blood but he didn't forget as much, and whats worse, he turned out to be conspiracy and monsters entusiast, and he realized she is a vampire and he was so excited and over his head about it and wanted to call his friends entusiasts, Veronica panicked and didn't know what else to do but bite him again and drank him out to death

scared and shocked from what she did she called William to come and help clean this mess (especially since its his feild of expertese). William and his two ghouls arrived(he has old gay couple as ghouls btw... well they look young-ish but in modern days they are pretty old...) ghouls were cleaning the evidance and getting rid of the body, while William was trying to calm Veronica down and support her, bc she was pretty psyched that she killed an inocent man

William tried to convince her that she did the right thing, that saving the masqarade was more important, Veronica was still hysterical and said something about that it is easy for him to say, considering how many people he killed after embracing her (more of that here). William never told her about it but she found out herself... He said "I did this for you" and she answered "no. you did it for yourself." anddd... that was a break point in their relationship, they broke up

Both were mad at each other for a while

Veronica couldnt find a porpose for herself and was drowning into apathy and depression and was just slouching about for some time, then she met a group of anarchs who were passing by and stayed in the city for couple of days. One of them flirted with her, they talked a bit and he jokingly offered her to join them, she said she needs to think about it, and next night she really decided to put everything behind and run away with anarchs bc she was sick of camarilia anyway, and so she did

her Sir sure did get in some trouble for the fact that his childie joined anarchs, he was partly upset but partly thinking that maybe it is for the better, and considering if it wasn't fair to hold her on the leesh

after some traveling and more life experience Veronica still was thinking about William and experience that she had, and at some point she decided to write him a letter, to ask how is he doing and confess that now, after time passed she understands that he was partly right on that horrible night, about saving masqarade and all that, tho she wishes she could find a better way to resolve the situation back then etc

and so they slowly started talking again, little by little fixing their relationship into friendly

later on in 80s William helps her rejoin camarilia, when she asked for shalter from sabat in New Orleans. William called toreodor premogen of New Orleans - Adzone, and asked him if he'd accept Veronica in the city. After looking at Veronica up and down Adzone smiled and confirmed to other heads of New Orleans that she's worthy of joining (who know what he saw, or what thought he read! he is an ancient ass vampire who diablored A LOT of vampires in his past c: )

in 90s after apocalipsis almost happened, Veronica felt especially need to go see people she loves, so she visited Moore in Chicago - at this point after almost the end of the world, he quit his harpy job and was having existential crisis. They caought up pretty well (but only as friends) and Veronica brought them a gift - a computer! she started teaching them how to use it and convinced them that using new technologies is a great thing, also introduced them to some new gender terms she learned from newer generations of people

nowdays they are still friends and chat online more or less frequently

Veronica still feels romantic longing for her Sire, but she thinks that it is her bloodbound, and she is always conflicted about her feelings towards them, bc she doesnt like the thought of blodbound dictating her emotions and feelings and she worries about it not being sincere

She doesn't know that her bloodbound is gone long ago. she just still has aching heart for them, and probably alwyas will, but oh well 🤷‍♀️

49. Detail your OC’s backstory!

like... like ALL OF IT???? oh for fucks sake thats A LOT X'D

ok maybe someday I will do some major Veronica's backstory post, will put all the previous posts together or something, and add drawings idk...

but that day is not today ahahah.....

maybe if i do it in drafts slowly, little part each day, ill be able to, maybe... wait for the updates, i guess X)

#vtm #vampire the masquerade #veronica sugar #vamily #toreador #vtm ask game #ask #asks #my ocs #my art #moore

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ghuleh-recs · 9 months ago

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♡ Fandom Faves Tag ♡

Tag 1-3 (or as many as you want) of your favorite creators (writers, artists, outstanding members of the community etc) and link your favorite creation if you can.

Thank you for the tags @midnight-moth and @coffeeghoulie! I'm gonna challenge myself to not wax poetic and keep these extra short and sweet. That way it's not as intimidating for others to participate (hope that makes sense). Oh and I'm not putting a "keep reading."

Witness my faves (ง •̀_•́)ง

@midnight-moth (who started this tag game ♡) drew THE Phantom art of all time and I recently went absolutely feral for:

Buried in Treasure - Dew x Phantom - E, 3.6k

When his eyes roll forward again, he notices more than just the same riff playing over and over. He notices Phantom’s grip on his hand simultaneously go still and tight. He notices the rosy flush on his cheeks, and the tent in his pants that he tries to conceal with the hand holding the phone. It takes more than a few seconds for all of the dots to connect and when the thought is fully formed, Dew grabs the phone and launches it to the end of the bed.

@ramblingoak hey why is there an angel in the satanic band fandom? I created this whole blog so I could shout about:

The Cardinal's Bride - Cardinal Copia x F!Reader - E, 91k (wip)

A Romantic Adventure in the Old West: After being forced into a marriage with Mr. Saltarian by your father you are sent west to his estate in Nevada. Along the way you end up meeting one of the cowboys you have always fantasized about…

@conjuring-ghouls finds the perfect moments and turns them into the loveliest gifs. On top of that she is endlessly kind and supportive. Look at these!!!

@coffeeghoulie is writing the Aeon x Swiss hurt/comfort fic of y'all's dreams and I got to do my first "official" art collab for it yay!!

Eternal Heatstroke - Aeon x Swiss - M, 17k (wip)

For once in their life, Aeon feels lucky. Whoever's opened this portal, whoever's summoning ghouls Up Top, specifically wants a quintessence ghoul. They may not be the biggest or strongest quintessence ghoul, far from it, but they'll do anything this summoner wants if it means they get to live. Or: being Topside is a drastic change from the life Aeon's used to.

@writingjourney truly the kindest soul and an absurdly talented writer. I screenshot Ibi's tags on my posts all the time because they cheer me up so much 🥹🥹

Friday Nights (series) - Papas x GN!Reader - E, 40k

“But to die as lovers may - to die together, so that they may live together.” ― Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, Carmilla Each of these stories features a vampire papa and a gender neutral reader.

@anamelessfool writes some of the best world building and characterizations that I have ever read in fanfiction AND she's a fantastic artist.

Violence & Gentleness - Primo x OC - E, 50k (wip)

You made me forget myself...I thought I was someone else, someone good... LATE OCTOBER 1979 Primo has his work cut out for him as the bodyguard of the beautiful and fearsome Mater Emerita Jocasta. As mystery after mystery unfolds, it becomes harder to remain a honest man in this den of thieves called the Ministry.

@foxybouquet makes wonderful art and her colloquial Italian posts are an incredible resource for the fandom.

@angellayercake has angel in her username for a reason tbh. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I learned important things about myself and my love language whilst reading the brilliant:

Banchetto - Terzo x F!Reader - E, 22k (wip)

Papa Emeritus III is struggling to adapt to his life after the Ghost project but perhaps some good homemade Italian food will do the trick.

(I'm cutting myself off here because I could do this all day. I will probably be making another list in the near future because I love and admire so many of you. 😅)

No pressure at all but I would really love to see this tag game keep going! If you're reading this please consider adding some of your personal favorites to the list! This fandom could use some positivity right about now ♡

#i was very calculated with who i tagged btw #i am trusting some of you to tag who i didn't 😅#tag game

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whumpsday · 5 months ago

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Whumpmas in July #1

(Re)Introduce yourself

hi! i'm mill, and i write oc whump! i also run the WIJ archive blog, @whumpmasinjuly-archive: if you use the official tags or @ that blog, i'll make sure your post gets reblogged to the archive!

my masterlist is here, where you can find all of my writing.

my favorite whump things to write are vampire whump, nonhuman whump in general, role reversal (whumper turned whumpee, etc), immortal whumpees, whumpees and caretakers who are enemies, and begging. i like to go heavy on both the hurt and the comfort, and enjoy both gore that goes beyond the limits of what a normal human could survive and the most tender, caring recovery arcs imaginable.

my main series is Kane & Jim, a whumper-turned-whumpee vampire whump story with 50+ chapters and a whole slew of AUs and crossovers. it's what most of my writing is!

i've recently-ish started a new series called Catharsis, a robot whump story. it's slow-going, but i'm making an effort to... not mostly-abandon this one like i have every other time i've tried to start a series.

i have a bunch of oneshots i've written, and once in a blue moon i will write a fanfiction. i'm by far an oc guy though. i also RP on discord sometimes! mostly using my characters from Kane & Jim.

for WIJ this year, i plan to post 2 Kane & Jim chapters, 1 Catharsis chapter, 1 crossover between K&J and Catharsis, 1 fanfiction, and 5 oneshots. plus one other thing for day 28 depending on what i get inspired by on day 4! (i'm hoping to write something for one of my two series for that day as well.)

WIJ is my favorite seasonal whump event and i'm so excited to participate again this year :)

❤️ Name: mill

💚 Pronouns: he/they (my dad called me his son for the first time yesterday :D)

🤍 Favorite season: autumn <3

❤️ Average amount of sleep: LOL

💚 Dream Job: teaching assistant in a public school!! hoping to start this upcoming september!

🤍 Blog established date: february 2022

❤️ Username/blog meaning: takeoff on the friday's slogan (in here, it's always whumpsday)

💚 Hobbies: writing, watching seasonal anime, the occasional video game, reading, tabletop rpgs (not like d&d and stuff, the boxed kind, awaken realms etc! if anyone wants a used copy of vampire the masquerade: chapters for only the cost of shipping, hmu)

🤍 What you love about whump: EVERYTHING

❤️ Anything else to add: see above cuz i put my paragraphs at the top <3

@whumpmasinjuly

#wij24day1 #whumpmasinjuly2024

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jessicanjpa · 1 year ago

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Here is your Twilight Advent Calendar for 2023!

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Instead of candy, here are some bite-sized headcanon prompts for each day throughout December 1–25. Each one is simple enough to answer with a quick headcanon post, but your ficlets, fan art, and moodboards will add some extra sparkle!

You can answer each prompt on its day or schedule your posts ahead of time. The tag is #twilightadvent23.

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Dec. 1 - Who is Rosalie's favorite vampire friend outside of the Cullens? What does she like to do with them?

Dec. 2 - What is Emmett's favorite board game or card game? How has he modified it to be more challenging?

Dec. 3 - Pick one deceased Twilight character to draw or tell us more about. How would the Twilight universe be different if they were still alive?

Dec. 4 - What does Sam like about being the alpha? What's difficult about it? And how does he feel post-BD1 about Jacob's new role?

Dec. 5 - What is each Cullen's favorite college major so far? What new major should they try someday?

Dec. 6 - What was it like for Eleazar to see the Volturi/his fellow guards again in Breaking Dawn?

Dec. 7 - Choose one Twilight couple (or an AU ship) and tell us about an argument they've had. How did they resolve it in the end?

Dec. 8 - What was it like for Jasper to train and fight in the Eclipse battle after so many years of peace?

Dec. 9 - What is it like for Carlisle to work as a doctor now versus back when he was alone?

Dec. 10 - Pick one of the witnesses in Breaking Dawn. What was it like for them to stay at the Cullens' home for those two weeks? Who did they spend time with?

Dec. 11 - Besides painting, what art forms does Esme enjoy? How do you imagine her art room/setup looks? (Fan artists, want to show us?)

Dec. 12 - What changes did the rest of the family see in Edward as he began to fall in love with Bella?

Dec 13 - What were Maria's thoughts when she heard about the gathering in Breaking Dawn?

Dec 14 - Tell us about an OC you like, either your own or someone else's. Include a drawing, moodboard, or playlist if you'd like to!

Dec 15 - Tell us about a point in the canon timeline where things could have easily gone in a different direction. How differently would things turn out in this AU?

Dec. 16 - How close do you think Charlie and Renée will come to knowing the whole story eventually?

Dec. 17 - What do your favorite Volturi guards do for fun/hobbies?

Dec. 18 - What are some things the Cullens do every time they move? Does anyone have any rituals re: leaving a location or starting at a new one?

Dec. 19 - Tell us some headcanons about a Twilight character you don't usually post about. Write a ficlet or include a sketch, moodboard, etc. if you like!

Dec. 20 - Headcanons for the summer between Twilight and New Moon (Bella/Edward or other characters)?

Dec. 21 - Pick any five characters. What's something they always carry with them?

Dec. 22 - What did Alice do to pass the time pre-1948?

Dec. 23 - What's one of your favorite scenes in Twilight (books or films) and why?

Dec. 24 - What Christmas/holiday gifts are your favorite characters exchanging this year?

Dec. 25 - For one of the Twilight vampires, tell us about a Christmas or winter memory from their human days.

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Bonus for new year's eve - What resolutions are your favorite Twilight characters making for the new year?

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#twilightadvent23 #Fandom event #Headcanons #Prompts #Fanfiction #Fan art #Twilight saga #Please reblog to boost!#Last year's tag was Twilightadvent22 if you want to browse

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chaosteddybear · 3 months ago

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6 Song Soundtrack Mixtape

Thanks so much for the tag! (spyri and sphinx both tagged me and I tagged you both in the Hexx one soooooo I won't spam you AGAIN).

Rules: If you're tagged, make a new post with links to music and/or lyrics describing the following: 1. An event that defines your character's past 2. How your character sees themselves 3. How others view them 4. Their closest relationship (platonic or romantic) 5. A major fight scene 6. End credits song

Mix: my OC across various games and AUs and worlds <3

1. An event that defines your character's past Nobody's Home

Her feelings she hides Her dreams she can't find

And I couldn't help her I just watched her make The same mistakes again What's wrong, what's wrong now? Too many, too many problems Don't know where she belongs Where she belongs She wants to go home But nobody's home That's where she lies Broken inside With no place to go No place to go To dry her eyes Broken inside [...] And now you can't find What you left behind Be strong, be strong now Too many, too many problems Don't know where she belongs [...]

So, the event I chose for this is coming home after a trip to a house full of nothing but death. This triggers the start of his Rambling Era, as I call it, where this song explains his consuming thoughts. Including telling himself to be strong, hide his feelings, squash his dreams, etc.

2. How your character sees themselves: Whatever It Takes

Whip, whip Run me like a racehorse Hold me like a ripcord Break me down and build me up […] Whatever it takes 'Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins I do whatever it takes […] I wanna be invisible Looking at my years like a martyrdom Everybody needs to be a part of 'em Never be enough, I'm the prodigal son I was born to run, I was born for this 'Cause I love how it feels when I break the chains […] I'm just a product of the system of catastrophe And yet a masterpiece, and yet I'm half diseased And when I am deceased At least I'll go down to the grave and die happily

This song captures the exact balance that Mix walks between being obsessed with himself while also putting himself down. He believes he can do anything, and he can certainly withstand anything.

3. How others view them Bullet with Butterfly Wings

The world is a vampire, sent to drain Secret destroyers, hold you up to the flames And what do I get, for my pain? Betrayed desires, and a piece of the game [...]

Now I'm naked, nothing but an animal But can you fake it, for just one more show? [...]

Tell me I'm the only one Tell me there's no other one [...] And I still believe that I cannot be saved

This song captures his resentment towards the people who took over the town he's from. He's also my rage boy (definitely an animal walking the line between wild and tame), and those who don't pay attention to anything else would absolutely just see this. They also may not realize that he's not in it for what he gets, and he doesn't think he needs to be saved (and if he did would he deserve it?). But hey, he is certainly obvious (when in love) about wanting to feel special. Is he obvious enough though?

5. A major fight scene: Satan Is My Motor

I've got wheels of polished steel I've got tires that grab the road I've got seats that selflessly hold my friends And a trunk that can carry the heaviest of loads I've got a mind that can steer me to your house And a heart that can bring you red flowers My intentions are good and earnest and true But under my hood is internal combustion power

Mix is so not okay. He sees himself as a tool, focusing on his usefulness to the important people in his life, specifically what he must do for them.

So this is what plays in his head as he picks off enemies. He spends his time aiming and shooting calmly as he reflects and focuses on his use and how much he loves his friends. He likes to be calm and focused while he enacts his duty.

He will get them all before any figure out where he is. So it's not a super hype song. Though, I do have an alt hype song for his more rambunctious fight scenes: Bark at the Moon.

6. End credits song: Why Would You Be Loved

It's a lie, the high that you have with love It feels like gold when you hold it [...] I wouldn't say it, but I blame them The bleedin' hearts, the arts and that other stuff All the same motivations will melt away Like snowflakes on a tongue, baby [...] I wouldn't say it, but I blame them [...] Why would you play it all on somethin' as hollow as trust? (Hey) What if you gave it all to find that it wasn't enough? (Hey) What if, under the gaze of all, you come short when the going gets rough? [...] They look for somethin' to be done for those that are most in pain What about me and my achin'? The scales rehung, the breakin' of yoke and chain What about me and my breakin'? And if you ain't for all, how could you try it all, baby? So why, why, why?

This one might seem against who he is, which is why it fits the credits, I think. These are conversations he has with himself. Is he right to be so naive, or is it a waste of time? Is he neglecting himself by constantly looking for love where his own isn't matched? He ultimately chooses to keep hope every single time. He has a strong will that way. But not out of naivete.

I tag: @loveless-nameless-graceless-two @seynne @bite-the-bloody-hand , and you dear Reader!

#mix #mix tldr #tag game

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xalygatorx · 10 months ago

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Unbound | Chapter 15, "Their Jagged Edges"

Áine Ts'sambra—a wayward half-drow bard with a painful past—has her world upended when she's snatched up by a Nautiloid ship and furnished with a tadpole to the brain. In her journey to remove the infestation before it can turn her and her newfound companions illithid, she not only finds that their solution has more layers to parse through than she can count, but that a particular vampire in her party does as well.

Unbound is an ongoing generally SFW medium-burn romance based in the world of Baldur's Gate 3 between Astarion and a female OC. Any NSFW content will be marked in the Warnings section. Contains angst, fluff, explorations of trauma, spice, graphic fantasy violence, and a guaranteed happy ending.

For anything additional on what to expect (and not expect), check the preface post.

Summary: Astarion tries to comfort Áine through the night and she shares a little of her past with him in good faith. The next morning, Gale sits before the party at large and offers Áine an apology. Astarion expresses his disapproval at Áine’s (in his opinion) swift forgiveness. The group returns to the goblin camp and enters the Underdark. Astarion comes to terms with his feelings.

Pairing: Astarion x Fem!OC

Warnings: Comfort/hurt; angst; fluff; trauma; post-traumatic flashbacks; description of feeling triggered and of a panic attack; discussion of the non-con portion of the previous chapter; more of Astarion's internal monologue flashbacks; suggestive content & dialogue; lightly proofread

Word Count: 8.9k

Listening to: Butchered Tongue - Hozier, Daylight (Acoustic) - David Kushner, Jenny of Oldstones - cover by Rachel Hardy

The instant he slid her from his arms onto his bedroll, Astarion’s movements became tightly strung and ever more agitated. He could still feel her rapid heartbeat in his chest even after he no longer carried her, like a song echoed in an endless cavern. The remembered staccato of it spurred him on like a self-inflicted whipping cane as he tore through his wares for something, anything, to help her.

He swore when he knocked over one of his picking kits. Bleeding Hells, Astarion was positively rattled and wasn’t entirely sure how to calm down without going back out to the woods and actually killing Gale, which he still had half a mind to do. No, that would upset her more and possibly blast them all to smithereens. He didn’t have the faintest idea how the damned orb in Gale’s chest worked but he was sorely tempted to test it.

Roughly, he snatched up the tattered blanket at the foot of his bedroll and leaned over Áine to drape it around her shoulders, muttering a curse at himself for having such a bare interior for a tent. For having so little to call his own, so little to offer her. He should’ve just taken her to her own, she would’ve been more comfortable there, but no he’d acted selfishly again at the worst possible time because he didn’t want her out of his sight.

Unsatisfied with just the old brown blanket, he leaned out and snatched the velvety red one that still hung across one of the mirrors outside his tent, bundling her in that too. Astarion had no idea if this would even help, but he was running out of things to try.

His eyes next caught on the old bottle of brandy he’d taken from a chest on a whim weeks ago at this point. Astarion uncapped it and snatched up the empty goblet he still had from Áine’s wine at the tieflings’ party, splashing some of the amber liquid into the vessel. “Bleeding fucking Hells, my left arm for some tea leaves,” he was muttering under his breath, rifling through a nearby bag even though he knew for certain he’d yet to come across any tea in their travels.

Áine watched him, his every movement half-coiled like a predator still aching to pounce, still dangerous despite its retreat. She hugged her knees to her chest, making herself take longer, deeper breaths to slow her tired lungs and racing heart. Her head swam from stress and a shortage of air, but she kept telling herself she was safe now. She’d have to do damage control in the morning, she expected, but for now, she was safe and just needed to calm down.

She heard him remark upon their lack of tea leaves and in his manic state he missed the way her expression softened. He still remembered that? That she’d said she found a warm tea with brandy to be comforting? She let the realization warm her chilled bones, his care as healing as any drink he could have brewed her, as he pressed the goblet of straight, lukewarm brandy into her hands.

Her darkened eyes flickered down to the light golden ripples of the drink. When had she said that again? Surely not the only time she could remember with any clarity—the very first day they’d met. When he’d remarked preferring a dry red as his go-to drink and she’d not yet had the context to understand he was making a joke about his vampirism. It made her smile ever so faintly now. That had been…so long ago. And he remembered. Even back then, when she’d been firmly under the impression that he hated her, he’d been listening.

Áine jolted when she heard him snarl toward the door at the faintest sound of footsteps outside. The footfalls had passed too closely to the tent for his liking and he’d immediately gone on the offensive as his instincts to protect himself and his mate had surged to the surface. “Astarion, it’s okay,” she murmured. “It just sounds like someone going to bed or going off to relieve themselves. Nothing dangerous.”

Astarion rounded on her for saying that, incredulous as he repeated her words. “‘Nothing dangerous?’ I truly don’t understand you sometimes, Áine,” he gritted. “How are you just okay after something like that?”

As soon as his words had left his lips in such upset, Astarion had chastised himself, dropping his head forward to rake a rough hand through his hair. Frustrated as he was, he wasn’t frustrated with her. He was worried for her. She needed to know that, not feel as though he was mad at her for what had happened.

She didn’t begrudge him his stressed response it seemed. He almost wished she would. “I’m not,” she whispered with patience, her fingertips pressing more firmly against the sides of the goblet as she took a tiny sip of the beverage. “But… I don’t think I’m worried anymore. Just…shaken up.”

Astarion looked down at Áine, bundled in his blankets with her barely nursed brandy in her hands. Whether it was how she sat, so curled in on herself, or that he simply wasn’t used to standing over her like this, she looked so heartbreakingly small to him now. So unbearably fragile when there were more times than he could count that “fragile” was the last word he would’ve ever chosen to describe her.

His expression bared without so much as an attempt to hide how helpless he felt, Astarion slowly slumped to his knees in front of her, his head hung in defeat. “I apologize for getting cross with you, I… I don’t know what to do,” he admitted, unable to meet her eyes. “I don’t know what you need. Or how to fix this.” He finally lifted his eyes to meet hers, finding the amber windows to his favorite soul glassy with unshed tears. “You can have anything you want. Anything of mine. Of me. Just name it.”

Áine’s expression crumpled. “Astarion—”

It’s all I’m good for, he wanted to reassure her. I know. It’s okay. It’s okay if it’s you. Aloud, he said, “You can have as much or as little of me as you want. If it will help, I’ll do it.”

Áine stared into his eyes, her brows canting upward as a fluttered blink of her lashes made her tears spill over at last. He was set off by all this too and not just because he was worried for her—she could see the pain, the barely staved off dissociation in those gorgeous crimson eyes. Not nearly for the first time since she’d met him, since she’d known him, since she’d loved him—yes, she was tired of lying to herself about her own feelings—she wondered, Gods, what happened to you? How much did she still not know?

The bard set aside the goblet, reaching for Astarion’s hands. He deposited them without question into hers and let her guide him down to lie on his bedroll. Instinctively, his fingers reached for the laces of his shirt, ready to do whatever she asked of him, even if it hurt. He was utterly lost to her and that was finally spiraling into such a maelstrom of fact that he no longer felt an ounce of his former kneejerk denial. Áine could do almost anything to him now and he was convinced he’d forgive her in an instant. Was this trust?

Her warm fingers covered his, firmly stilling them against his collar. Astarion looked up at her and Áine saw that look in his eyes again—half-present, half-slowly slipping out to sea past where she thought she could reach him. She ran her thumbs against his knuckles like the smallest ritual, a tactile prayer. She pressed a kiss against the spot where his hands met before she guided them apart and found her place within the circle of his arms.

Astarion kept his arms hovered just above her while she situated herself, suddenly out of his depth again. His face heated with the palest flush of pink as she fitted herself perfectly against his body, nudging his legs apart just to entangle them with hers. He could feel her face burning against the fabric of his shirt when she finally settled her head against the curve of his shoulder.

“Is this okay?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He swallowed against a lump in his throat, finally allowing his arms to come down to rest around her. Timidly at first and then more securely as he grew comfortable holding her. One of her beautifully content sighs graced his ears and, even though it took Astarion a moment to relax, he managed it as his somber eyes traced the starlight crown of her head. “Of course,” he whispered back, trying to make sense of what she could possibly see in him, how she could possibly want him.

Hesitantly, he raised a hand to her brilliant pearlescent halo and followed an instinct he had to stroke her hair. The way her prone body melted further against him rewarded his cautious venture and he marveled at her vulnerability, her warmth, and her trust in him. They were fitted against each other in every curve and he only wanted her closer, impossibly so. Until he could no longer find their separate starts and ends.

Astarion adjusted to rest his chin against the top of her head. “Are you alright, my sweet?” he asked and his voice was so gentle Áine’s eyes burned anew with tears. He felt her tense and, afraid both that he’d upset her and, selfishly once more, that she’d leave, he quickly said, “We needn’t talk if—”

“I’m fine,” she squeaked and he realized that she’d tensed to stifle a sob.

Astarion’s jaw set and he pulled her tightly against him. She molded willingly against him, burying her face into his neck. Her tears dripped like summer rain past his collar. He sighed and mumbled, “I should’ve killed him.”

“No, you shouldn’t’ve,” she asserted with a hiccup. Hidden from Astarion’s view, Áine’s features strained against the tears that came and she forced herself to inhale deeply, even as her breath shuddered. She could feel a headache forming as a dull pain behind her eyes.

“Please?” Astarion asked in a quiet whine and it caught her so off-guard that a small watery giggle escaped Áine’s aching throat. He cast a fond smile down at her, a smile she felt hints of when he pressed a kiss to her forehead. Leaning further into his natural inclinations, Astarion traced gentle patterns against Áine’s back until she was able to calm herself. He let his eyes close, meditating on her heart and her heat.

He was almost sure she’d dozed off when he heard her murmur, “It all brought back some unpleasant memories. That’s why…” She trailed off and he waited for her to collect herself and continue. “That’s why I fell apart so thoroughly, I think.”

Astarion dropped his head forward slightly, pulling her scent into his more or less useless lungs to ground himself and remind himself that she was more important than his anger. “Because I need you more than he does right now.” He skimmed his lips against her temple as he murmured back, “I can relate to that, for whatever it’s worth… Anything you’d like to talk about?”

Áine pursed her lips, bringing one of her hands up to her face to wipe away her tears. Was there anything she wanted to tell him? Anything that had been dredged up that would feel better left to the night air? Would it change anything, or make a difference? She’d never talked to someone about her past in any detail. “I’m not sure,” she admitted plainly. “I…don’t know if any of it’s worth bringing up.”

Astarion’s eyes opened into barely discernable slits to peer down at her. He couldn’t see her face, but he admired the sight of her wrapped up in him all the same. Besides that, he knew her well enough by now to not need a constant read on her expression to know at least somewhat how she felt. “It is up to you. But should you be inclined,” he mumbled, “I’m all pointy ears, my love.”

A small smile tugged at Áine’s lips. She sniffled again, but it was residual, and said, “In the shortest terms I can place it, I was a soldier once. Years ago. And mixed barracks are often not a kind place, especially among other drow.”

Astarion’s arms tightened around her just the slightest bit. His mind flashed back to the “kennels” wedged deep into the bowels of Cazador’s palace. The moldy, scratchy, tattered bunks. The smell of decaying rats and their old excrement amidst an array of other horrible, sour smells. Another deep inhale of her scent helped to center him, but barely.

“Your soldiering doesn’t surprise me from how many times I’ve seen you tear through a battlefield at this point,” he murmured. “Is the…barracks instance why you left?”

He felt her shake her head against his chest before she craned her head back to meet his eyes. Áine smiled softly when he took the opportunity to kiss the tip of her nose. “No,” she replied. “Those sorts of things were normal.”

Astarion scowled at the idea, suddenly wondering if anything he’d done or any of his advances had set something off for her in their time together. Without knowing, he could only be so upset with himself, but he still found himself half-asking, “...when you say ‘those sorts of things’?”

“The, uh, handsiness, I suppose,” she said carefully. More of that red-hot anger lanced through him. “The drunk handsiness specifically. Worse than what Gale did, but never the worst it could’ve been if that makes sense.”

While she spoke, Áine watched Astarion’s features, seeing a mingling of anger on her behalf and discomfort whenever his eyes drifted out of focus, taken by an unpleasant memory. She recognized that cocktail of emotions with ease as she often felt it, herself. With hesitation, he said, “I believe I understand what you mean.”

She was glad she didn’t need to go into further detail. She’d normalized it all to cope over the years, but the longer she’d spent away from her family and former comrades-in-arms, the more she’d realized just how fucked up the first 45 years or so of her life had been. It took getting away from it to see it at all. “It was more violent than anything,” she found herself admitting. “Just constant scraps and drunk fights. And training was no different.”

“It sounds dreadful, darling,” he informed her.

Her gaze shuttered slightly, remembering. “It was.”

“Why do it then?” he wondered. “Surely that sort of life wasn’t what you signed up for when you started, er, soldiering. You could hardly be blamed for—what?”

Áine had looked up at him while he spoke and she had a peculiar twinge to her expression. It took him a moment to realize it was sorrow. The sort with roots so deep they mixed with one’s marrow. “Astarion, I—” Her voice cracked, but she steeled herself. “I like to think I had a choice, but the older I get, the less I think I did.”

“Whatever could you mean?” he asked.

She shrugged, ducking her gaze to fix upon his shirt ties as she murmured, “It’s all I was born for.”

Astarion scoffed a little. “As in you felt it was your destiny?”

“No,” she said. “I mean it’s the only reason I was born.” Her whispering voice hardened. “I was conceived to serve and I did. Until I didn’t.”

“It’s all you’re good for, after all.”

Astarion’s throat constricted, searching the top of her bowed head as if it could provide as much context as the expression she hid from him. He didn’t know what to say to that. It hit too close to home and yet he had to acknowledge that he didn’t know how she felt in some ways at all. He’d had a life before he was nearly killed, before he began his next “life.” He could scarcely remember most of it, but he’d had it. And while it had been criminally short for the expected lifespan of a high elf, he couldn’t imagine being born into, raised into war.

His eyes traced the faint points of her ears, the crease between his brows deepening. A familiar recurring dread sent a wave of nausea through him to think about her mortality. Half-elves could live past 200 years of age, but it was so variable by blood. “It feels particularly wretched to have done that to you,” he murmured, “considering the time allowed to half-elves.”

“That’s why I’m half, too,” she murmured, stifling a yawn against the back of her hand. When she glanced up at him to find his features pinched in confusion, she explained simply, “Faster soldiers.”

So she’d been bred a half-elf because she’d mature faster than a full drow. A quicker workup for another body to be thrust into battle. For what? No reason could suffice, but he had to wonder what could’ve possibly been happening during his cyclical time suffering all means of torture and procuring prey for his master to have warranted such a cruel recruitment.

Bereft of anything else he could think to say, Astarion murmured, “...I’m sorry.”

Áine gave him a gentle goading look that he didn’t understand until she said in her little impression of his voice, “What could you have to be sorry for?”

He snorted and inclined his head. “Touché, my love.” Astarion traced his fingertips against the curve of her cheek, a complicated feeling curled in his chest like a sleeping cat. He realized gradually that it was compassion, only “complicated” for him. “Maybe it’s selfish of me, given what you’ve just told me,” he said slowly, “but I’m glad you are here.”

A tender smile traced her lips. “And I, you,” she murmured. “I suppose we can be selfish together.” More seriously, she added a quiet, “...Thank you. For listening.”

“Anytime,” Astarion said. He hesitated and pointed out to her and himself, “You would do the same for me. You have done the same for me.”

“Happily,” she said, sighing with contentment as she adjusted to settle back in against him and was rewarded by him drawing the blankets more snugly over them both and kissing her forehead. With sleep-bleary eyes, she glanced up at him and cautiously asked, “Are you alright?”

Astarion watched her affectionately as her body started to forcibly wind her down. “Me?” he asked with a teasing lilt to his voice as he gathered the woman lying against him even closer, finding that even that still wasn’t close enough. Would it ever be? “I’m in heaven, darling.”

Áine smiled and laughed a little at his flirting, but her features remained taut with seriousness. “You know what I mean,” she murmured. “Tonight set something off for you, too.”

He gave a noncommittal grumble. “Of course it did,” Astarion snipped, “I was worried for you. I still am.”

“And I appreciate that more than you know,” she reassured him. “But that’s not what I mean either.”

One of Astarion’s reflexive responses began to bubble up, but he contained it and he sighed instead. He sighed an awful lot for someone who had no functional use for breathing apart from a comfortable habit. “Not tonight, darling,” he said instead. “Soon. But not tonight.”

“Okay,” Áine said. “You’re okay though?”

“I am,” he reassured her. “I’ll be all the better if you rest.”

Áine yawned, accidentally emphasizing his point. “Tired of talking to me?” she teased him.

“Exceptionally,” he teased her back, smirking when she pressed a kiss under his jaw and returned her head to rest against his shoulder.

“Is this comfortable or should I move?” she asked, barely able to keep her eyes open at this point.

“I will be personally offended if you try to move,” he warned her, bringing a sleepy smirk to her face. It was a sight he memorized, craving to preserve it for an eternity at minimum.

“If I weren’t so tired, I’d do it just to see what happened,” she mumbled and he believed her. “Goodnight, Astarion.”

Astarion felt her heart slow as she slipped into sleep and he found himself studying her relaxed features for some time after. “Goodnight, sweet girl,” he murmured after she was already gone, simply musing over the turns his night—his existence even—had taken as he let himself bring his guard down just enough to let himself slip into a light meditation.

His first in centuries that was completely free of nightmarish memories and visions.

Their late night became morning with a swiftness that bordered on criminal and the pair were awakened too early for either of their likings.

Áine stirred with a groan, her hand finding purchase against soft cottony fabric and her fingertips feeling the smooth, cold plane of muscle beneath that brought her waking brain the recognition it needed. She ran her hand up until her hand cupped against the side of her bedmate’s neck and she was able to hook her arm back around him. She lifted her head and willed her eyes to open, greeted by a sight she was starting to find more beautiful than most sunrises.

Astarion, already alert, met her eyes and watched her wake with just the faintest line of tension in his otherwise softened expression. “Good morning,” he murmured, ever amused and bewitched by how wild her hair became once tossed by sleep. When she uttered another quieter grumble and tried unsuccessfully to blink the sleep from her eyes, Astarion chuckled. “Or perhaps not?”

“I slept like the dead,” she mumbled after using the arm she’d moved around him to pull herself up to kiss his cheek. “I think it may have killed me.”

He smirked. “Well, if you’ve passed, apparently you took me with you,” he remarked. If he were being honest, he would prefer it that way at the end of things. He couldn’t think of a better way to go than with her. Astarion inwardly balked at the hopelessly romantic thought, wondering who’d injected that into his mind. Worse than a tadpole, truly.

He felt Áine hum her acknowledgment of his statement against his throat between kisses and Astarion used his arm still wrapped beneath her to roll her into lying atop him. Undeterred by being transplanted, Áine nuzzled back into his neck, kissing a trail down to his collarbone and only lifting when her roving hands smoothed his shirt up off his torso. She held the offending fabric out of her way as she continued her winding trail down his stomach, taking her time with every languorous press and suck from her lips.

“And what are you getting up to?” Astarion asked, wincing slightly at how his voice broke a bit at the end, betraying the effect she had on him.

“Getting up to? No,” she murmured, her voice a sleepy, sensual husk that sent an immediate jolt through his body. “Going down…maybe. If you’ll humor me?”

Humor her? Hells, he’d get on his knees and beg her for the privilege. Astarion swallowed hard and nodded when her sleep-softened, hooded amber gaze flicked forward to check in with him. Áine’s mouth formed a faint, smug smile as she dropped it back down to his abdomen, her hands releasing the bunch of his shirt as she skimmed her fingertips down to his thighs, leaving tickling trails of heat in streaks down his stomach. He shivered, his hips instinctively canting upward as she gripped his thighs and settled herself between them.

“Are you always so frisky in the morning, my dear?” Astarion tried to tease her, but the pointed question came out so breathy he just felt a little embarrassed.

As far as Áine was concerned, his attempt to tease her had worked as just the sound of his oft-overcomposed voice trembling at the bare beginnings of her ministrations sent a clench through her inner thighs. She breathed in deep, composing herself as her fingertips moved deftly to make short work of his pants.

At least until they were interrupted by a not-distant-enough voice outside.

Áine’s hands stilled and she cocked her head ever so slightly to see if she’d imagined it. Or perhaps she’d misheard the word that sounded like her name. However, she heard it again and expelled the breath she’d just taken in with a frustrated sigh. Gale was asking after her next door, at her tent.

“Ignore him,” Astarion murmured severely and Áine may have found his ferocity amusing if she weren’t just as upset. Her fingers flexed against his waistband, wanting to keep going and ignore him as Astarion suggested.

And then again from the tent adjacent, “Áine, I’m sorry and I would love to explain in detail just how ashamed I am if you’d permit me to do so.” Gale’s voice was faintly muffled as if running a hand down his face.

Fainter still, closer to the fire, she suspected, Karlach’s voice joined the mix. “Gale, where’d you get the shiner? Drop a book on your face in bed?”

“Nothing so intelligent,” Gale sighed. “Am I being foolish, has she gone out scouting or something?”

Lae’zel’s voice emerged. “Astarion took her to his bed last night.” Something bristled in her tone and Áine couldn’t decide what it was until she heard Lae’zel add, “What is it exactly that you have to apologize for, Gale?”

Oh dear, Lae’zel was putting two and two together, which meant Áine had to brace to save the little rat’s life again.

“I’m going to kill him,” Astarion growled as Áine gave up on her morning misdeed, picked herself up off the tent floor, and straightened her clothes. “I was going to kill him before and now I’m going to kill him more slowly. Perhaps use one of his nasty little scrolls to bring him back so I can kill him a second time as well.”

Of all the bloody times for her to have to play party leader, it’d had to be this morning. This morning after he’d surfaced from a deep, satisfying reverie almost entirely free of the usual torment of painful flashbacks. He still struggled at times in their intimate moments, especially in the moments he felt out of control, regardless of whether or not he slipped into a script to cope. He didn’t feel in control this morning, but it didn’t feel bad either and, gods, he wanted to try at least! Even his usual anxieties about something being too much for him and her seeing him shut down seemed quieter than usual.

“There will be no killing the idiot wizard,” she declared in a whisper as she leaned down and captured his lips in a loving kiss. “As tempting as it may be. This wasn’t a one-time offer, don’t worry.”

“That’s hardly the point, my darling,” he grumbled, attempting to pull her back down with him to little avail. She laughed at his pouting expression. “Why didn’t you tell me that you’re so unbearably sexy as you wake in the morning?”

“You could’ve found out for yourself, you know,” Áine pointed out with a smile as she ruffled his curls. She decided to needle him a little as she put her boots on. “Besides, you woke with me after our first night together. Was I not so interesting then?”

Plenty interesting, frighteningly so, he answered internally. “Of course you were,” Astarion assured her, glaring at her boots as if they were singlehandedly responsible for taking her from his tent. “You’re simply even more ‘interesting’ now.”

Áine smirked. “What can I say? I like to snuggle.”

“Duly noted,” Astarion purred. And before she could insinuate it, he added, “And not just for the carnal bonuses… Last night was nice.”

Her features softened. “Apart from what inspired it, yes. It really was,” she agreed. Áine dared to lean in for one more smooch and dodged with only seconds to spare when he meant to snatch her back and tumble her beneath him. “Nice try, my love.”

Astarion dramatically threw his arm across his eyes when she stood up, soon forcing himself up—and the rest of him down—as well to follow her out of his tent and into whatever fray they were soon to step into. No way in the Hells was he going to let her walk out and face Gale alone, even if she didn’t seem concerned about doing so.

The first thing he saw, with satisfaction, was the blackened state of Gale’s left eye.

The wizard looked over when Áine emerged with Astarion directly behind her, his hackles already up. Clearing his throat, Gale looked at Áine, his studious brow creating a deep fissure at its middle. “Far be it from me to ask for a thing from you, but may I have a word?” he asked.

Áine nodded, glancing down the path from their camp and suggesting, “We can step out to chat if you’d prefer,” allowing him to save face, at least for the time being.

To her surprise and slight concern as well, he politely refused her out. “No, I think it’s best that I hang myself out to dry in mixed company,” Gale said, punctuating his words with a small shake of his index finger. “Good for the ego, you see.”

But good for the vitality? Áine wondered despite not arguing. “Very well, if you think so.” She had to give him some measure of props for this, she supposed. It was a bold choice.

Astarion was less impressed, no surprise there. Not only was he quite sure that nothing Gale could say would calm his ire, but he was quietly rooting for the others now to be upset like he was. More than that, he wanted Áine to be properly angry at him for the position he’d put her in.

They gathered near the fire and Áine sat adjacent to where Gale parked himself, feeling Astarion plunk himself down directly beside her. It was comforting, but she was also wary of her lover being only too happy to make Gale’s right eye match his left.

Lae’zel remained nearby, her eyes already severe on Gale’s back, and Shadowheart lingered while she worked on her breakfast. Áine felt the cleric’s gaze scan her for any signs of injury, the other woman’s frame only relaxing faintly when she found none. Karlach and Wyll were already at the fire when the three of them sat down and Halsin sat nearby as well, still portioning out breakfast. Karlach and Wyll’s conversation went quiet as they glanced between Áine, Astarion, and Gale, and the only sounds left in camp save for the crackling of the fire were Scratch and the owlbear cub having a game of tag nearby. Well, Gale had his audience.

“Right, what’s happened?” Shadowheart finally asked, clearly uneasy.

Gale cringed at her tone, his jaw working as he tried to parse together what to say. Áine remained silent, watching him clam up and deciding that she’d leave them in awkward silence until he drummed up the courage he’d had just a moment ago upon suggesting this route.

Astarion wasn’t as patient. Furious ruby eyes shot to meet Shadowheart’s as he said, “Our little Gale decided not to keep his hands—and his mouth, I’d wager—to himself last night, Áine’s consent on the matter be damned.”

Áine paled. Oh dear.

The ladle Halsin was using clacked loudly against the pot where he dropped it, his expression horrified as he looked between Gale and Áine. “Oak Father preserve us,” he murmured, but his expression was tinged with tension as if trying to keep his wild shape in check.

The scrape of steel preceded Lae’zel’s response, a fierce glare twisting her features. “Chk, I knew it,” she muttered, her sword glittering dangerously as she freed it. “I demand clarification.”

Wyll went ashen next to Karlach, who crushed the bowl in her hand, remnants of porridge burning black when they hit her blazing flesh. Through clenched teeth, Karlach ground out, “Please tell me there’s a good explanation for this, Gale.”

Shadowheart’s expression twisted with rage, but her attention went first to Áine instead. “Are you alright?” she asked, her fingertips white with pressure as she clutched her dining implements. When Áine nodded, her gaze burned a hole into Gale. “Your destroyer Mystra help you if she weren’t.”

“Please… I—,” he paused to sigh, leaning down to bury his face in his hands and collect himself before he sat up straight and turned fully to face Áine. “There is no ‘good’ explanation for something like this. And it is no excuse that I was out of my mind with wine, fear, and self-pity.

“However, I cannot properly express how sorry I am, Áine. That it happened at all with anyone, but especially that it was you. You’ve done so much for me—you’ve aided me in my affliction, you’ve been a trusted friend, a trusted ally, and I’ve repaid you with this and a deadly lie.”

He drew in a deep breath and she heard it shudder in his next words. “I do not deserve to carry on with you on this journey. In fact, I deserve little more than to find a barren patch of Faerûn to end my sorry existence on,” he stated, his hands balled in his lap to keep them from shaking. “But if you would allow me, I will take every available opportunity from here on to be a better friend, a better travel companion, and a better ally. And I will endeavor to never again take your kindness and care for granted as I know I have so far.”

Gale gave a weakened sigh as he pushed an anxious hand through his chestnut locks. “And…for whatever it’s worth, nothing about what happened was premeditated,” he added. “Again, it fixes nothing, but I wanted you to know that.”

The silence sat for a long few minutes. All eyes shifted to Áine, awaiting her verdict, while hers stayed fastened on Gale. He felt her measure his worth and the weight of his words as if she, too, were imbued with magic. As if she could see through all that he was.

Slowly, Áine nodded. “So stay. And prove your intentions.”

Gale hastened to nod. “Thank you. I swear, I’ll never a—”

He fell silent when Áine raised a hand. “I require action, not more words,” she said, letting her hand fall back in her lap. “I’d rather not speak of it again.” Astarion could tell in the strain of her voice that she was still upset and just hiding it as flawlessly as ever.

A large hand lowered in front of her and offered her a bowl of porridge and fruit. Áine looked up and accepted the bowl from Halsin as he laid a brief, comforting hand against her hair. She thanked him and he nodded then turned away to reclaim his seat and continue his work by the fire.

Wyll had shifted closer to them from Astarion’s unoccupied side, reaching across him to touch Áine’s arm and ask quietly again if she was okay. When she said she was, he glanced toward Astarion to get confirmation. The vampire gave him a nod of confirmation and only then did Wyll relax, glancing at Karlach as she worked to temper her rage.

Lae’zel scoffed at the outcome, resheathing her blade. “I have killed gleefully and for far less,” she intoned, glaring down at Gale. “Do not test my might with a second misstep.”

Áine felt Astarion’s arm slip around her shoulders as he agreed with the githyanki. “I, too, have killed for much less,” he said. “Legally and otherwise.” She occasionally forgot he’d been a magistrate in another life.

“You know, normally I’d offer a quick fix to alleviate something like a black eye,” Shadowheart mused, inclining her head to get a good look at Gale’s face. “However, I think you could do with a little suffering for your transgressions. If you’re good, I might change my mind further down the road.”

Gale winced at his companions’ threats, nodding in acknowledgment to each as he wrung his hands. “It’s less damage than I deserved surely,” he agreed. “This will be left to fade in its own time.”

“Karlach, did you want a fresh bowl?” Halsin offered the blazing tiefling.

“Maybe here shortly,” Karlach replied, giving her chest a couple of pounds with the side of her fist. The iron chamber echoed in response. “I love you lot to bits, but you give me heartburn.”

Áine and the others broke the tension a few degrees by smiling at her semi-intentional joke. When the group had more or less dispersed to begin packing up camp, Astarion addressed Áine, his arm still draped around her and his fingertips tracing small circles on the back of her arm. “You,” he accused, “were way too soft on him.”

She shrugged, looking tired all over again as she popped the last raspberry from her breakfast bowl into her mouth. “I know,” she said. “I’m still upset, but I do understand where it came from. And nothing…okay, almost nothing, stop looking at me like that…actually happened.” Áine pursed her lips. “I’m just trying to let bygones be bygones, I suppose.”

Astarion glared down at her but still stroked her arm despite his agitation. “Dearest, just because ‘nothing happened’ does not mean you’re not due your rage.”

Áine laughed sharply. “If I ever really unleashed all my pent-up anger at everyone who ever wronged me, I’m not sure I’d be able to stop.”

Astarion gave her a considering look and responded with a shrug of his own. “I would personally pay admission to see it,” he said, his lingering impulse to have a few more swings at the wizard nearby only assuaged by the sweet sound of her laughter.

“Hardly a welcome party,” Wyll remarked as he cast a glance toward the iron portcullis that separated them currently from a raging minotaur.

It roared as it beat its horns against the grated gate while the stone atop the statue of Selûne towering above them in the outpost they were setting up camp within shot the beast with bolts of light. The bolts ceased the moment the creature fell dead to the ground, thin tendrils of smoke rising from its smoldered flesh.

Áine frowned and cast a vague gesture toward the dank yet somehow still beautiful caverns surrounding the manmade lookout they camped inside which looked like a pinprick in comparison to the vast cave system that was truly its own world beneath a world. “Welcome to the Underdark,” she said dispassionately. They’d made good time in getting there, only an extra two days added to their journey to backtrack.

“I don’t mean to make any assumptions, Áine,” Gale said, “but did you grow up down here?”

Astarion stiffened and watched Áine out of the corner of his eye to see how she reacted to the question about her younger years. Now that he knew what he knew, even these casual questions made him want to intervene in some way.

She took it in stride, not looking bothered at all, and he could only assume that she’d had to deal with friendly personal questions often enough that reaching back just far enough into her memories no longer came at much of a cost. “I didn’t,” she said. “This isn’t my first time down here, but I frequented Baldur’s Gate more than I ever frequented the Underdark.” It wasn’t a lie in the slightest, Áine self-congratulated. It just adjusted the conversation away from the natural next question, which would have been, “Oh, then where did you grow up?”

Shadowheart grimaced up at the Selûne statue and the light that shone from its gem. “Just how long are we intending to leave that infernal thing up there?” she asked.

“As long as it’s of use to us,” Áine asserted, nodding toward the felled minotaur. “When we get ready to leave, I’ll shoot it down or something. For now, while we rest, it’s a nice bit of insurance.”

“Already nostalgic for the sun, Astarion?” Lae’zel guessed when she spotted the vampire. Áine followed her gaze and found him frowning up at the pitch-black cavern ceilings.

Astarion sighed without looking at her. “Of course, I am,” he replied, sounding more inconvenienced than nostalgic. “Imagine being deprived of something for 200 years, getting it back, and then ending up in a place you can’t enjoy it for however long your reprieve lasts.”

To his surprise, he heard the gith grumble in agreement. “Understood,” she acquiesced. “It is only a matter of time before we surface again.” Was she trying to reassure him?

“Even then,” Halsin said with a forlorn expression, “it will be some time before the sun can touch us again. The shadow curse is…” He paused, considering his words. “Vicious.”

“What exactly is the shadow curse?” Wyll asked, his voice appropriately wary.

Suffocating, Áine answered silently. Dismal. Horrifying. She’d never grown accustomed to it in her lifetime there. After quick missives to the city or even to the Underdark, the lands surrounding Moonrise had always felt even more macabre. Darker. Hungrier. Because for all its darkness and strangeness, the Underdark wasn’t a cursed region. It was simply different as it was underground. In some ways, it was beautiful. The curse cloaking the lands they were heading toward was unnatural.

Halsin essentially answered with the same feelings she had, if not different words. Her eyes cast down toward the campfire Gale was working over to prepare them some dinner and, across from her a few paces away, Astarion watched the flames lick her amber irises.

He was a bit of a fool, but he wasn’t fool enough to not realize when two puzzle pieces fit together. Her reaction to Halsin’s first mention of this place and then everything she’d told him last night was piecing together. Astarion could be wrong, but he had a feeling that they were walking back into someplace she’d much sooner forget than return to. He knew next to nothing of her past ten years, only that she’d gotten away in that time to find her own path.

The entire idea was a conjecture. It could’ve been something entirely different that had driven her to panic at the idea of going to Moonrise. However, he couldn’t think of an alternative theory, so he let that one sit for now. Instead, despite knowing from the sun’s position just before their descent into this place that it would be nighttime aboveground, he glared toward the caves surrounding them as if he could drill skylights into them through the power of spite.

Astarion glanced over when he sensed someone coming to stand beside him, knowing instinctually that it wasn’t Áine based on the footfalls and presence alone. The last person he’d expected to see was Gale.

Their eyes met and Astarion’s narrowed with wary speculation. The black eye he’d given the wizard was starting to yellow at the edges as it healed. Shadowheart had finally offered to relieve him of it the previous evening, but he’d politely refused. Astarion also knew that Gale was capable of a simple healing spell that would absolve his bruising within seconds. Was he trying to prove something by keeping it?

Gale noticed Astarion scrutinizing his handiwork and gave a self-deprecating smirk. “It was a good punch,” the wizard commented, his pale companion stiffening when spoken to. “And well-deserved.”

“Indeed,” Astarion agreed, his suspicion at the interaction coating his words.

Gale sighed. “Thank you,” he said finally, “for putting me in my place. For helping her.”

“I didn’t do it for you,” Astarion snapped.

“I know,” Gale murmured, his tone careful and placating. It did the opposite to Astarion’s mood. The wizard seemed to be thinking better of approaching in the first place, but he squared his shoulders a little instead of changing his mind. “I also want to offer my apologies—”

“You’re apologizing to the wrong person,” Astarion interrupted him, his tone dismissive.

“I’m not,” Gale said with the patience of a saint. “I’ve apologized to Áine almost every time I’ve dared to speak with her. She’s since told me I’m not allowed to say that I’m sorry more than once daily ‘if I absolutely must say it at all’.” A faint smirk crossed Astarion’s lips at the wizard’s recollection of Áine’s direct orders. That’s my girl. “All that to say… I broke your trust, too.”

Astarion scoffed. “Bold of you to assume you had it at all.”

“Indeed,” Gale said, nervously resting his hand against his neck. “Too bold. But if, on the off chance I did in the slightest and it is now broken, I am deeply sorry, Astarion. I wronged her most, but I wronged you as well. I don’t remember much from that night, but your relationship with her has never been a secret, and even blind-drunk it would be an obvious thing.”

The vampire shifted uncomfortably. “You speak as if you moved in on my territory.”

Bewildered, Gale said, “Well, of course. I did.”

“She is not mine,” Astarion murmured. “She is not beholden to me and can bed whomever she wants. That’s hardly the point of my upset.”

“I think I’ve misspoken, so let me try again,” Gale said, weighing his words over again. “I endangered her. Full stop. This is my greatest sin. Separate from that, I caused a shockwave of worry and hurt for everyone who cares about her.”

“Then why apologize specifically to me?” Astarion demanded defensively.

Gale’s pleading demeanor began to dissipate and he raised a brow at Astarion as if to ask if he was seriously asking that question of him. “Because, exclusive or not, you care about each other deeply,” he said.

“That’s too bold,” Astarion declared in a grumble.

To Astarion’s surprise and irritation, Gale just smiled. “It’s a good thing,” he stated in a gentler tone. “It’s not my place to press, so I won’t. Just know that I value you as part of the group and I hope to earn back—to earn your trust someday, despite probably not deserving it.” He glanced toward the portcullis as another minotaur slunk closely enough for the statue of Selûne to rear back to life. “I at least hope to not do anything that will warrant getting punched by you again.”

“Let’s start with that,” Astarion muttered, thrown off by the idea of someone wanting to prove themself to him.

“It’s a deal,” Gale agreed, palpable relief in his voice that simply served to confuse Astarion even more. “Right, well, I’ll cease bothering you. Thank you.”

Astarion gave a noncommittal grunt that sent Gale on his way. He still had an inkling to maim him, but his ire had slowly wound down over the last couple of days. He’d gone from a state of hypervigilance and practically hovering over Áine back to his normal level of watchfulness once it became clear that Gale meant what he’d promised her and seemed to be actively trying at every turn to redeem himself. Unlike the others though, Astarion was at best slow to forgive if he did at all and never to forget.

The sweetly low drone of a flute note drew his attention back to the center of camp, his scarlet stare fastening with a quiet reverence on the bard perched upon the statue’s massive base, a purloined wooden flute held enviably to her puckered lips. The flute was a bit clunkier but more ornate and unique than the one she’d been carrying when he’d met her, an indistinct instrument only special when she’d turned it into an accidental weapon.

A smirk traced his mouth at the memory, unexpectedly tender toward such a gory memory. If he were honest with himself, truly, that was what had started it for him. He absently wondered when it had begun for her as he watched her tease a melody from the unextraordinary hollow tube with little more than her breath and fingers. The purposeful chaining of notes swirled upward, drifting against the obsidian stone surrounding them and returning in gentle form.

Sometime in the “night”—what was night really when it was always so dark?—Astarion ended up near the fire, using its warmth in place of the sun which surely had to be coming up by now on the surface. He was also using a bit of the flickering light to once again mend a fray in his doublet embroidery despite hardly wearing it on their travels anymore, some of the lighter armor they’d found proving a better option as they went further and further into the thick of things. He was among the last awake, which wasn’t unusual, and it was just himself, Halsin, and Áine.

Halsin had been ever more restless the closer they got to another shot at entering the shadow-cursed lands he spoke of, but even he retired after another hour with a quiet “goodnight” bid to each of those remaining awake. Astarion nodded in response, focused on his stitching. He’d completed his fix on his past work and now worked on a new line on the left wrist of the doublet, trying his hand at embroidering a lilac design while he idly listened to Áine toying with her lute behind him.

She’d remained on her perch—he wasn’t completely sure she could get down from that height on her own without it being amusingly clumsy, which he was looking forward to—and forsaken the flute for the night when their party had begun to go off to bed in favor of a quieter instrument. Astarion only lifted his head from his work when he heard her speak.

No… Heard her sing.

He slowly turned his head to look at her, wondering if he even should. Had she forgotten he was still there with her? He had the answer to his question when their eyes met.

Hers were, not unexpectedly, already pooling with tears. A faint smirk played on her mouth as instead of whatever lyric to the song she meant to sing next, she sang in tune to the melody, “Will my performance infringe on your work?” to see if she was bothering him, he supposed. As if she were capable of that.

Astarion chuckled and shook his head in reply, just marveling at her for everything she was. Finding a way to check on him, even make him laugh a little, while she sat there also amused but in such sweet melancholy, he could feel a twinge of it himself by extension.

Her gaze dropped back down to her lute as she adjusted her fingertips and he meant to return to his embroidery, but he just couldn’t look away from her. She was an enchanting sight—long legs half-tucked under her and pressed against the stonework beneath her, starlight-colored tresses that put real constellations to shame, shuttered dark amber eyes that lightened like honey when the firelight caught them just right.

He rose to his feet as she slowly brought her song to a close, her voice ghosting against the walls surrounding them. As she sang through the repetitious last lines—”Never wanted to leave,”—Astarion took measured steps toward her. She watched his progress without faltering as he came close enough to place his hands neatly atop her knee, his chin resting against them as he held her gaze and his silence. He noticed that her skin, even in the faintest reaches of the Underdark’s bioluminescent glow, looked more radiant than ever.

Áine let her final note carry and fade and they simply gazed at each other for a long moment in mutual fascination. She didn’t even think to wipe her eyes until he shifted in their stillness, arranged his doublet over one arm, and then held his arms open for her. The bard smiled, her somber air feathering into obscurity for now, and carefully maneuvered her arms around his shoulders and her lute behind his back.

She let him pluck her off her stage, wrapping her legs around his waist as he supported her with one strong arm firmly slanted across her back, his hand spread to hold the underside of one of her thighs. Astarion kissed her hair as she rested her head against his shoulder and he walked them and their instruments of choice back to her tent tonight.

What they had couldn’t continue to spiral from its noxiously selfish origin point. He’d go mad if it did. He had no idea if he was capable of offering her something real—if he had anything of the sort left to give, if he’d ever had it in him in the first place—but he’d wanted to since that first night they’d spent together. Probably even longer than that if he allowed himself to be sincere.

And he supposed if he wanted an honest chance with her, he had to finally tell her the truth.

Next chapter: Chapter 16, "Full of Surprises"

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